www.canada.com...
Sunday, December 21, 2003
TORONTO (CP) - Health Canada attempted to dial down widespread concern over the current flu season Sunday, issuing a statement noting that the
disease's impact so far is nothing unusual.
"While the 2004 influenza season arrived earlier than in previous years, and appears to be more severe than the last three seasons, current national
and international data indicate that its impact in Canada is still within the expected range," said the statement, posted on the department's
website.
Much of the concern over this year's flu season arises from the fact that young children have been particularly hard-hit. Experts say that's no
surprise - after three consecutive mild influenza seasons, many kids haven't built up any immunity to the virus.