Public Health To Hold Additional Flu Clinics

In response to the increased activity this flu season, additional on-site flu clinics have been added and will be available, by appointment only, beginning January 18th both at the Waterloo and Cambridge Public Health clinic locations. Information pertaining to Public Health flu clinics can be found at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/seasonalinfluenza or by calling 519-883-2007 option 6.

It is still not too late to get vaccinated!

Influenza immunization offers the best protection for persons six months of age and older and is available free of charge to all residents. 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, pregnant women, Aboriginal people) to be immunized.

To date, there has been a significant surge in influenza activity across the province. In Waterloo Region, where influenza activity began the week of October 1, 2012, the rate of new cases of influenza in the community, hospitals, long term care and retirement homes steadily increased since October. While there has been a reduction in the rate of new cases in the last few weeks, Waterloo Region continues to experience widespread influenza activity.

As of January 5th, 2013 Waterloo Region has had a total of 309 confirmed cases of influenza with 56 hospital admissions. As of today, January 16th, we’ve had seven deaths (six adults, one child) in which influenza was at least a contributing factor.

Most cases of influenza in the Region have been sub typed as influenza A. Strain type so far indicates a good match with this year’s influenza vaccine.

To reduce the risk of developing Influenza:

• Get vaccinated – it’s still your best defense
• 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 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: Linda Black, Manager, Vaccine Preventable Disease Program 519-883-2006 ext. 5251