Five children died from influenza last month in B.C.

At least five children died in British Columbia from influenza last month alone, a rise that comes as an early season of respiratory illnesses adds strain to the beleaguered health-care system.

Data from the BC Coroners Service shows the figure marks a departure from the average two to three flu deaths recorded annually among children in the province between 2015 and 2019.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, an average five to six kids died per flu season across Canada, data from a national surveillance network administered by the Canadian Pediatric Association known as IMPACT shows.

A research paper published in March in “The Lancet Regional Health — Americas” journal says IMPACT found no deaths from the flu recorded among children in either 2020 or 2021, while its pre-pandemic data focused on the period between 2010 and 2019.

The BC Coroners Service says its data is preliminary and subject to change while investigations are completed.

The cases include those where influenza was identified as an immediate, pre-existing or underlying cause of death, or as a significant condition.

Earlier this week, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the province is seeing a dramatic increase in flu cases, and specifically, influenza A.

She said the type of virus that is causing the most illness is influenza H3N2, which causes more severe illness in older people and younger children.

Henry said more children are getting sick as they haven’t been exposed to the flu for the last two to three years due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

Data from B.C. health officials on Monday, Dec. 5 showed over 50 per cent of seniors over 65 have got the flu shot this fall, but only 20 per cent of children six months to 11 years, and just 15 per cent of teens in B.C., had been vaccinated.

People can book shots on the Get Vaccinated website.

Data from Alberta shows two children have died in that province with influenza this season.

(The Canadian Press and Vernon Matters Staff)