First influenza cases reported for 2017/2018 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 three cases of Influenza A reported within Waterloo 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 coughs – 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 anyone that lives, works or attends school in Ontario.

Vaccination for the general population has already begun through Ontario’s Universal Influenza Immunization Program. Flu vaccine is available through pharmacies, primary health care providers, walk-in clinics and Public Health’s family flu clinics (for families with children 5 years old and under).

General information about influenza and immunization is available on the Influenza and Influenza Clinics pages.

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Media contact: TJ Flynn, Coordinator, Health Communications, TFlynn@regionofwaterloo.ca, 519-575-4400, ext. 2244