Southwestern Public Health advises action amid post-holiday Influenza spike

Southwestern Public Health is reminding residents that it’s not too late to get vaccinated against Influenza following a significant post-holiday rise in cases, including new outbreaks in long term care facilities.  

Local data shows a significant transmission risk, with the latest dashboard reporting a 33.9% positivity rate, higher than the two previous flu seasons. Influenza A (H3N2) is the dominant strain, and historically, elevated positivity rates have continued well into February and March. 

“Influenza A can cause severe illness in young children, older adults, individuals who are pregnant, and people who are immunocompromised,” says Dr. Ninh Tran, Medical Officer of Health, “It’s not too late to get the flu shot, especially as children are now back in the classroom.” 

In addition to getting a flu shot to protect against severe illness and hospitalization, Southwestern Public Health recommends washing your hands, covering your coughs and sneezes, staying home when ill, cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and wearing a mask in crowded or enclosed spaces. 

“It’s the combination of these efforts that makes a difference,” says Dr. Tran, “You can also protect your loved ones and those susceptible to Influenza by knowing the signs and symptoms of Influenza like fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, muscle or body aches, and weakness and fatigue.”  

Serious complications of Influenza can include worsening of chronic health conditions, heart complications, pneumonia and respiratory failure, hospitalization, and even death. Seek medical attention if symptoms continue to worsen, there are signs of dehydration, difficulty breathing, or if fever is high and persistent. 

Southwestern Public Health has flu vaccines available for children who are five years of age or younger, and their guardians. To book an appointment, visit swpublichealth.ca/booking.