Two young Manitobans have died recently as a result of complications of the flu.

17-year-old Blaine Ruppenthal from Winnipeg, and 24-year-old Joanne Enns from Morden, were both relatively healthy people before they suffered complications of influenza.

Brent Roussin, the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer, says that severe cases of the flu are much more common than people think.

“Unfortunately, we do sometimes see healthy individuals with severe outcomes to the flu,” said Roussin. “So that’s why our planning every year occurs long before flu season starts. We try to get the message out that the flu vaccine is safe, and it’s the best way to, not only protect yourself but protect the people around you from the flu and those complications of the flu.”

It is recommended that everyone over 6 months of age get their flu shot, especially if they are around people who have weakened immune systems.

Roussin adds that it is not too late to get your flu shot if you want to.

Common flu symptoms are fever, chills, cough, muscle and joint aches, and fatigue. Anyone who is experiencing a severe case of the flu will have symptoms of shortness of breath, coughing up blood, severe fatigue, and dehydration.

Last year in Manitoba, there were 19 flu-related deaths and in 2018, 46 people died from the flu.

Roussin says that even if you haven’t received your flu shot, there are some things you can do to help curb the spread.

“Lots of handwashing is important, getting adequate rest, a good diet, and staying active is important,” said Roussin. “ I certainly can’t emphasize the handwashing enough.”