Influenza Activity Increases in Waterloo Region

Despite a mild start to the 2013/2014 influenza season, flu activity in Waterloo Region has increased over the last two weeks. As of today, Region of Waterloo Public Health has received reports of 53 lab confirmed cases of influenza. There have been 18 influenza-related hospitalizations and 1 influenza-related death. There have been no outbreaks in hospitals, retirement homes or long term care homes caused by influenza.

All reported local cases have been Influenza A. Of these, 20 cases have been strain typed as H1N1. Strain typing is pending on the remaining cases. H1N1 was first seen in the 2009 pandemic and has continued to circulate as a seasonal strain. Based on provincial and national trends, it appears that H1N1 is the predominant circulating strain this season. The 2013/2014 influenza vaccine includes coverage for H1N1.

It is not uncommon to see surges or clusters of influenza activity in communities during the flu season (as is occurring in the province of Alberta at the present time). Flu seasons are unpredictable in nature and vary from year to year in terms of timing, severity and length. Each year there are hospitalizations and deaths related to influenza.

Influenza immunization offers the best protection for persons six months of age and older and is available free of charge to all residents. Although no vaccine is 100% effective in preventing disease, influenza vaccine has been shown to reduce the incidence of influenza related complications and deaths.

Public Health encourages everyone, particularly those at highest risk of complications related to influenza (anyone with chronic health conditions, persons over 65 years of age, all children under five years of age and pregnant women), to be immunized. By being immunized, individuals protect not only themselves, but also their loved ones.

Influenza vaccination continues to be available through family physicians, urgent care clinics and local pharmacies. In addition, there are two upcoming Public Health community clinics (appointment only). For details please call 519-575-4400 or visit the Public Health website at

http://chd.region.waterloo.on.ca/en/clinicsClassesFairs/fluinfluenza.asp

To further reduce the risk of developing Influenza:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm running water – especially before eating, preparing food and after blowing noses or using the washroom
• Use alcohol-based hand rub/sanitizer (either gel or wipes) when soap and water are not available

Symptoms of Influenza include the sudden onset of fever (accompanied by chills), cough, sore throat, stuffy/runny nose, headache and muscle or joint aches. If a person experiences the symptoms of any respiratory illness they should:

• Stay home until the symptoms begin to lessen
• Cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing
• If tissues are not available – cough or sneeze into the upper sleeve or elbow of clothing (the “Sleeve Sneeze”). The fabric helps to trap the droplets instead of having them sneezed or coughed into hands where they can be easily passed on to others or to surfaces
• Do not visit persons in hospitals or retirement/long term care homes

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Media contact: Candace Harrington, Coordinator, Marketing and Communications, 519-883-2244, or Cell: 519-501-7598, CaHarrington@regionofwaterloo.ca