First confirmed case of flu in Huron Perth

Huron Perth, ON - Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) has received confirmation of the first case of influenza (flu) in a resident. The resident is under the age of 5. This lab-confirmed result means that flu is circulating in Huron Perth.

“The flu can be a serious illness that can lead to hospitalization, especially among young children and older adults,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth. “I encourage all residents aged six months and older to get their influenza immunization (“flu shot”) this fall. It is the best way to protect yourselves and your loved ones from severe illness due to flu. Also remember to stay home when sick, wash hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and disinfect high touch surfaces to avoid spreading the flu and other respiratory viruses.”

Who can receive flu shots currently

• Flu shots (and COVID-19 vaccines) are currently available to individuals at higher risk of severe complications:
  • Residents and staff of congregate living settings (e.g., chronic care facilities, retirement homes)
  • Pregnant individuals
  • Individuals 65 years of age and older
  • All children six months to four years of age
  • Individuals who are from a First Nation, Inuit or Métis community, and/or who self-identify as First Nation, Inuit, or Métis, and their household members
  • Individuals six months of age and older with underlying health conditions per NACI (Influenza & COVID-19)
  • Members of racialized and other equity deserving communities

Healthcare workers and first responders are also currently eligible to be vaccinated.

Free flu shots for the general public will be available starting October 30 at participating doctor and nurse practitioner offices, pharmacies and public health unit COVID-19 clinics. To learn more about the flu shot, visit Ontario.ca/flu.

It is safe and convenient to receive both the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. HPPH is offering flu shots at COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Clinic dates and locations are available at www.hpph.ca/getvaccinated. Appointments are required and can be booked:

• Online at www.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/
• By calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 (Monday to Friday, 8:30AM to 5PM excluding holidays).
  

Preventing the spread of respiratory illness

As respiratory illness season continues, everyone is encouraged to use layers of protection to prevent getting and spreading respiratory viruses, including the flu and COVID-19:

• Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots
• Consider wearing a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in indoor public settings, especially anyone at higher risk of severe infection
• Screen daily for signs of illness and stay home when you are sick
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve
• Regularly clean and disinfect high touch surfaces like door knobs, toys, and counter tops
• Improve indoor ventilation

More information about prevention, and local data about respiratory virus activity is available on the respiratory illness section of our website at www.hpph.ca/illness.  If you or a family member are ill, you can call 8-1-1 or visit ontario.ca/health811 to get confidential health advice from a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information:

• Huron Perth Public Health: 1-888-221-2133
• Visit www.hpph.ca/illness
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