First influenza cases reported for 2016/2017 season in Waterloo Region

Region of Waterloo Public Health has received reports of the first locally acquired cases of influenza in Waterloo Region.  To date, there have been cases of both Influenza A and Influenza B within the Region.  Sporadic cases of influenza have been reported elsewhere in the province.  In Canada, seasonal flu activity typically begins as early as October and can continue as late as May.

The symptoms of influenza include sudden onset of fever, chills, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and muscle or joint aches.   Influenza can cause more severe illness than the common cold.   The infectious period for influenza can last two to five days after the onset of symptoms (up to seven days in young children).

If a person experiences symptoms of respiratory illness they should:

• Stay home until the symptoms begin to lessen
• Cover your cough – cough or sneeze into the upper sleeve or elbow of clothing if tissues are not available
• Frequently  wash hands with soap and warm running water or use an alcohol-based hand rub/sanitizer, especially after coughing or blowing nose
• Not visit persons in hospitals or retirement/long term care homes

Influenza immunization offers the best protection for persons over the age of six months and is available free of charge to all residents in Ontario.  Given the early arrival of flu in the Region, influenza vaccine for high risk individuals will be available within the week to local physician offices and long term care and retirement homes. 

Vaccination for the general population will begin in mid-October when Ontario’s Universal Influenza Immunization Program officially launches.  At that time, flu vaccine will be widely available through pharmacies, primary health care providers, walk-in clinics and Public Health’s family flu clinics (for families with children less than 5 years old).  

General information about influenza and immunization is available on the Region of Waterloo Public Health website: www.region.waterloo.on.ca/ph.

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Media contact:

Kirsten Keil-Mehlenbacher, Coordinator, Health Communications
Kkeil-mehlenbacher@regionofwaterloo.ca
519-575-4400, ext. 2244