First case of flu confirmed in Niagara

Niagara Region Public Health has received the first laboratory confirmed case of flu.

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NIAGARA REGION, Oct. 24, 2016 – Niagara Region Public Health has received the first laboratory confirmed case of flu. The flu is a respiratory illness which causes fevers, coughing, sore throat, body aches and pains, and severe illness is more common among children and the elderly. It is spread by coughing, sneezing or coming into contact with surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus.

The flu vaccine is available, and Public Health encourages residents, six months of age and older to get their flu shot by visiting their doctor, a participating pharmacist or a Public Health clinic. The flu vaccine is important to protect both you, but also those around you, particularly children and the elderly. To locate a clinic near you visitwww.niagararegion.ca/health.

Additional measures to prevent getting or spreading the flu include:

• Cleaning your hands regularly
• Coughing into your elbow, arm/sleeve or tissue
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces regularly
• Staying home if you are ill

Those who require medical attention for the flu should visit an urgent care centre, walk-in clinic or their family doctor. Public Health discourages visiting friends and family in long-term care facilities or hospitals if you are ill with the flu or have flu-like symptoms.

Information about flu and weekly flu activity can be found on www.niagararegion.ca/health. Activity will be updated every Friday until May, 2017.

For more information, call Niagara Region Public Health Infectious Diseases program at 905-688-8248, ext. 7330 or toll free 1-888-505-6074.