A wave of type B influenza is circulating in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, one of the most affected regions in Quebec, according to the most recent data from the National Institute of Public health of Quebec (INSPQ).
According to the data, the number of patients has quietly increased in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean since March before reaching a peak in mid-April.
In fact, 16.4% of virus screening tests carried out in an establishment of the Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CIUSSS) of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean turned out to be positive for the week of April 7 to 13.
For comparison, in mid-January, this rate stood at just 0.19%, and 1.68% at the beginning of February.
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Last week, from April 21 to 27, the region’s virus test positivity rate fell to 14.3%.
The region is therefore in third position behind Nunavik (34.62%) and Abitibi-Témiscamingue (19.10%), which have the highest contamination rates for the same period.
Less aggressive
The regional director of public health in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Donald Aubin, notes, however, that the spread of the virus has slowed since the peak reached in mid-April. Despite this drop, the spread of the disease could still continue until June.
The influenza type B virus attacks the respiratory tract and causes flu-like symptoms such as sore throat and headache, chills, fever and runny nose.
However, it is less virulent than type A influenza. People who suffer from it, including a large number of children, are less likely to suffer from complications, such as pneumonia.
B affects fewer people, it is a little less strong.
In addition, according to Mr. Aubin, the type B virus mutates less quickly. The immune system of adults can therefore establish defenses before being in contact with a new variant, which explains why children contract it more easily.
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Donald Aubin, regional director of public health
Photo: Radio-Canada / Roby St-Gelais
Unlike type A, which usually strikes in November, December and sometimes January, type B appears later. We see it in February and March. […] This year it lasted a little longer
notes Donald Aubin.
The specialist specifies, however, that he does not know the causes of this trend.
In the event of contamination, Donald Aubin recommends taking acetaminophen and avoiding contact with others.
According to a report by Roby St-Gelais
