Influenza Season Update

Waterloo Region has seen a mild start to the 2011/2012 influenza season in comparison to recent years; however we continue to see increased activity both within the Region and across the Province. Locally there has been a total of nine laboratory confirmed influenza cases reported, with one hospitalization, one institutional outbreak and one death where influenza was not the primary cause but considered a contributing factor. The death occurred in an elderly person in frail medical condition. Each year, deaths related to influenza are expected. Hospitalizations and complications predominantly affect the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions and the very young.

Influenza activity continues to be reported in Waterloo Region. It is not too late to be immunized. Influenza immunization offers the best protection for persons six months of age and older and is available free of charge to all residents in Ontario. Influenza vaccine continues to be available through family physicians and area walk-in clinics.

The first symptoms of Influenza include the sudden onset of fever (accompanied by chills) and muscle or joint aches. A few hours later, a dry cough, headache, stuffy/runny nose and extreme fatigue or tiredness follows. Influenza produces much more significant symptoms than a routine cold. A person is most likely to spread Influenza to others during the first 2-3 days of their illness but can be infectious for up to 5 days (7 days in young children). The symptoms can last 5 days or more, but the fatigue may last much longer.

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

Everyone is reminded that the following simple steps can help to prevent common respiratory and gastro-intestinal (stomach) illnesses that are circulating at this time of year:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm running water – especially before eating, preparing food and after blowing noses or using the washroom
• Keep and alcohol-based hand rub/sanitizer (either gel or wipes) handy at work, home and in your vehicle to clean hands on a regular basis

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Media contact: Lu-Ann Procter, Coordinator, Marketing & Communications, 519-883-2244