Flu season hits B.C. schools as teachers fall sick

The already stretched B.C. education system is facing yet another challenge this season: high numbers of absences among teachers due to the flu.

Clint Johnston, president of the BC Teachers’ Federation, confirms with CityNews that there’s an “absolutely higher than usual number of absences both among staff and students.”

“We have heard anecdotal stories of a quarter to half the class being away,” Johnston said. “We are definitely hearing those large numbers of absences among the student population, and teachers as well.”

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Johnston appealed to the public to practice caution during this season, and he encourages everyone to be updated with their shots.

“There’s still COVID going around, so it’s wise for parents, students, and even teachers to wear a mask if they choose to. I think the other aspect is — which is an advice that’s been given and in the hands of parents and students — is to get vaccinated. Those vaccination rates, especially for Influenza, aren’t as high as they could be or how they should be, so certainly improving those things will help.”

Johnston says high absences among teachers are impacting the education system and are further compounded by an existing shortage of teachers in B.C.

Rising respiratory cases are placing a heavy strain on B.C. hospitals.

In response, B.C. kickstarted a three-day vaccination blitz Friday and will go on through Sunday.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry also said that they will start providing weekly updates on any flu-related deaths among children in B.C.

-With files from Peter Wagner