'We are just now entering our flu season': Nova Scotians encouraged to get COVID-19 and flu vaccines
Nova Scotians are being encouraged to get COVID-19 and flu vaccines as cold and flu season begins.
Unlike last year when there was a shortage, the shelves at most pharmacies across the province are well-stocked. Pharmacist Alicia Brine has already been busy helping customers find the typical medications that are popular this time of year.
Cough medicine is pictured in a Halifax pharmacy. (Jonathan MacInnis/CTV Atlantic)
“A lot of folks this year have been complaining of a persistent cough so they will get a cough either from COVID, flu or cold virus, and it tends to linger quite a bit long after they are feeling better. It’s normal for it to last two, three weeks,” says Brine.
Virus activity is starting to pick up across Nova Scotia.
“We are just now entering our flu season,” says Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang.
He says there seems to be lower levels of severe disease so far this year compared to the last few years.
Influenza A and the current dominant strain of COVID-19 are the most common viruses in the province right now. The number of lab confirmed cases of both influenza and COVID-19 are highest in the central and northern zones of the province, mostly affecting people 65 and older.
“Where were seeing people diagnosed is people in hospital and people in long-term care facilities, because those are the places where it’s more important to know exactly what virus you’re dealing with,” says Strang.
He says this is partially because people seem slow to roll up their sleeves.
“Not great uptake of both COVID and Influenza vaccines, even in those who are at higher risk because of age and health conditions.”
RSV cases are also rising, mostly with children between the ages of two and four.
Cold and flu season usually hits its peak after Christmas and runs through to the end of February.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979388.1722030190!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former U.S. president’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.