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BC STORIES

B.C. Faces an Early and Hard-Hitting Flu Season as Symptoms Intensify

B.C. flu season arrives early as Health Canada reports elevated activity. Learn about the dominant H1N1 strain, severe symptoms, and vaccine availability.

Published

4 hours ago

October 24, 2026

Current Editor

Early Arrival and Severe Symptoms

Influenza activity in British Columbia has surged earlier than usual this year, bringing illness that health professionals describe as particularly intense. According to Health Canada data, flu test positivity across the province is running above average for this time of year, departing from the typical pattern where cases climb slowly toward a holiday peak.

Pharmacists note that the current wave is taking a heavier toll on patients compared to last year. Pharmasave pharmacist Fairuz Siraj stated, “This year it’s hitting hard. We’re seeing a lot of cases of people coming down, feeling ill, and taking more time to recover. A lot more severe type of illness than what we saw last year.”

Dominant Strain and Vaccine Alignment

Data from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the BC Centre for Disease Control show that B.C. registered a “moderate” flu activity level during the first week and a half of October, with wastewater indicators rising at multiple monitoring locations. Meanwhile, other Canadian provinces continue to report “low” or “very low” activity.

The dominant virus strain in circulation is H1N1, a form of Influenza A. On Oct. 7, B.C. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the launch of the provincial vaccination campaign 10 days ahead of the usual schedule. Because scientists anticipated that H1N1 would lead cases this season, the current vaccine was formulated specifically to target it. Dr. Brian Ward, a scientist at the McGill University Health Centre, noted that “so far, so good,” though he cautioned that flu viruses can mutate as the season progresses. Ward added it remains too early to know if mid-season mutations will occur and stated he is unaware of any predicted mutations that would reduce vaccine efficacy.

Vaccine Access Details

Free influenza immunizations are currently accessible to B.C. seniors and individuals in high-risk categories. Siraj advised that members of the general public seeking early protection may check walk-in clinics for availability or wait for their individual booking notification links, which are expected in late October or early November.

COMMUNITY

Vancouver Canucks Honour Beloved Broadcaster John ‘Cheech’ Garrett During Home Game

The Vancouver Canucks celebrated the life and career of former goaltender and broadcaster John ‘Cheech’ Garrett during a home game against Carolina.

Published

2 days ago

October 22, 2026

Current Editor

Canucks Wear Memorial T-Shirts and Show Jumbotron Tribute

Vancouver Canucks players and coaching staff wore specialized memorial T-shirts depicting John “Cheech” Garrett’s iconic moustache and broadcast headset prior to Tuesday night’s matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes at Rogers Arena. The Oct. 20 pre-game ceremony featured a video highlighting Garrett’s hockey and broadcasting career on the arena jumbotron before the national anthems.

“John Garrett greeted every day with an optimistic smile, always had time for an autograph, a selfie, and a story to share with his thousands of fans and friends across the hockey world,” announced Al Murdoch, the in-arena voice of the Canucks. In addition to the pre-game video, in-game activities featured trivia focused on Garrett as well as a “hot dog drop.”

A Storied Career On and Off the Ice

Garrett, who resided in the Boundary Park neighbourhood of Surrey, passed away suddenly last April at age 74. Known for his technical hockey insights, signature sense of humour, and enthusiasm for ketchup-topped food, he remained a prominent Sportsnet analyst until his death.

Born in Trenton, Ontario, on June 17, 1951, Garrett was selected 38th overall in the 1971 draft. He competed in the World Hockey Association from 1973 until 1979 before spending 1979 to 1985 in the NHL as a goaltender for several franchises, including the Canucks and the Hartford Whalers. Over his 207 NHL games, he earned a spot in the 1983 All-Star Game and notably recorded the secondary assist on Gordie Howe’s final career NHL goal. Following his playing career, he transitioned directly into broadcasting at Rogers Arena.

Game Outcome

The visiting Carolina Hurricanes, the defending Stanley Cup champions who formerly played as the Hartford Whalers, secured a 6-3 victory over Vancouver following the tributes.