Several flu viruses are circulating, including a type called influenza B that tends to hit children hard. That's when influenza B ramps up. Stan Pollard's daughter, Layna Vu-Pollard, died of influenza B in Guelph, Ont. -Dr. Michael Gardam, Humber River HospitalCanadian public health officials now have preliminary data on flu vaccine effectiveness, which suggests it is about 55 per cent effective against influenza B. The flu vaccine can lessen the effects of flu infection, such as the difference between a mild illness and a hospital stay, Schuchat said, particularly for people at higher risk such as children and the elderly.

Source: CBC News February 16, 2018 23:12 UTC