Influenza outbreaks higher than ever in children and young adults

Strains of both influenza A and B have resulted in over 946 hospitalizations to date across Canada. Cases of influenza B are circulating at higher levels than usual and earlier within the year. per FluWatch, cases of the strain are usually only reported in February or March.

What’s more, the strain is additionally affecting a primarily younger age bracket, with 55 per cent of influenza B cases affecting people under the age of 20. Thirty two per cent affected people between the age of 20 and 44.

Cases of influenza A remain the “predominate circulating type,” per FluWatch. the bulk of hospitalizations are thanks to influenza A (90%), and among those 77% were subtyped H1N1. This year over 1/2 those identified with the H1N1 strain range between the ages of 20 to 64, ages that typically fall within the lower risk categories.

The Best Treatment Against Winter Bugs is PREVENTION

While health officials maintain that the most effective defense against influenza is vaccination, this year’s effectiveness has yet to be determined.

“Considering the results from previous years and therefore the changing strains of viruses currently attacking the population, now quite ever, it’s important that Canadians consider complementary measures which will help within the prevention, and if necessary the treatment of colds and flu,” said Sherry Torkos, pharmacist and author of the Canadian Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine.

A.Vogel’s Echinaforce®, made of fresh, organic Echinacea purpurea is approved by Health Canada to be a secure and effective prevention technique which will be taken on its own or combined with the flu shot for optimal protection.

Extensive clinical research has proven its ability to assist Canadians, aged 2 and up, (including pregnant and nursing women) significantly reduce their chances of falling victim to seasonal viruses despite their strain.

Additional research shows that participants who did get sick had fewer symptoms, shorter sick time and a 65% reduced risk for complications like bronchitis, pneumonia and sinusitis.

“Because there’s an excellent variance among echinacea products, I always emphasize the importance of selecting one that has been clinically researched with proven efficacy. Echinaforce by A.Vogel has been demonstrated to own broad antiviral effects, including activity against H1N1 and H3N2,” said Torkos.

With cases of influenza at a high level across Canada, Canadians must practice extra caution for both themselves and their loved ones.

Additional Tips to stay You Healthy This Winter

It’s tired your hands
Avoid handshakes and touching your face. Wash your hands thoroughly (minimum of 20 seconds) after the lavatory, an outing and before each meal to stay germs trapped.

Eat well and hydrate
Eat lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and lean proteins. During the winter months we tend to be more dehydrated so drink lots of water (8 glasses per day).

Keep your cool

Reduce stress, it hampers the system. some minutes of meditation and deep breathing per day can make a world of difference. Yoga is great for getting back your chi plus exercise provides great immune support.

Catch those needed ZZZ’s

Make sure to induce a minimum of 7- 8 hours of sleep at the hours of darkness and nap when you’re tired. A tired body means your system isn’t as fired up because it might be and you’re more prone to getting sick.

Freshen up

Bundle up and find outdoors for a few fresh air. Get eliminate stale and potentially infected air by opening the windows morning, noon and night for 5-10 minutes.