The 2013-2014 Influenza Season Starts in Waterloo Region

The 2013-2014 influenza season is beginning. Region of Waterloo Public Health has received reports of two laboratory confirmed,unimmunized cases of Influenza A in Waterloo Region. Sporadic cases of influenza are being reported across the province.

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. Even though the first cases of influenza have been detected, it is not too late to be immunized. Influenza vaccine continues to be available through family physicians, area walk-in clinics and pharmacies.

Region of Waterloo Public Health will be offering influenza clinics on the following dates:

• November 19, 2013 – Elmira District Secondary School 4 University Ave., Elmira
• November 21, 2013 – St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School 50 Saginaw Pkwy, Cambridge
• January 6, 2014 - Region of Waterloo Public Health building 99 Regina St. S., Waterloo
• January 13, 2014 - Region of Waterloo Public Health building 150 Main St., Cambridge

Appointments for these clinics can be booked online at the Region of Waterloo Public Health website: www.region.waterloo.on.ca/ph or by phone at 519-575-4400.

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 ranges from two to five days (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 their mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, immediately dispose of the used tissue and wash hands
• Use the “Sleeve Sneeze” – 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
• Not visit persons in hospitals or retirement/long term care homes

Media contact: Candace Harrington, Marketing and Communications, 519-501-7598; CaHarrington@regionofwaterloo.ca