Flu wave hits Manitobans hard, says family doctor

Think you've made it safely through this year's flu season? Think again. 

Manitoba is in the midst of an influenza wave which is expected to last several weeks, according to Manitoba Health.

That prediction, which the ministry made earlier this month, mirrors what's happening on the ground in doctors' offices and clinics around the province.

"We're seeing a lot of cases in patients of all ages," said Dr. Michel Bruneau, a family physician in Lac Du Bonnet, about 100 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg. 

• Spike in flu cases at Winnipeg Children's Hospital prompts visit restrictions

Patient symptoms can include fever and chills, cough, cold, sore throat, and runny nose.

In more severe cases, the flu can lead to pneumonia and patients can end up in hospital. Antibiotics can typically knock back a bacterial infection like pneumonia. Influenza, on the other hand, is a viral infection which can't be treated with antibiotics.

"It has to ride its course. The best treatment is prevention," Bruneau said. 

In Manitoba, two people died last month from the H1N1 virus. That's the same virus that caused panic several years ago.

• 2 people die from H1N1 virus in Manitoba

So far, this year's mortality rate from flu is much lower than last year.  In 2015, 45 Manitobans died after contracting the H3N2 virus. 

Children younger than five years of age, especially those under two, adults 65 and older, pregnant women and seniors living in nursing homes are particularly susceptible to more serious complications from influenza.  

Free flu shots are still available from physicians and at participating pharmacies across the province. Flu-Mist, the inhalable vaccination, is no longer available in Manitoba. 

Influenza season typically runs from October to May every year.