The flu is circulating in Huron-Perth after a child younger than the age of five became the first resident in the region to test positive for the virus, the public health unit said.
The flu is circulating in Huron-Perth after a child younger than the age of five became the first resident in the region to test positive for the virus, the public health unit said.
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“The flu can be a serious illness that can lead to hospitalization, especially among young children and older adults,” Huron Perth public health medical officer of health Dr. Miriam Klassen said in a release. “I encourage all residents aged six months and older to get their (flu shot) this fall. It is the best way to protect yourselves and your loved ones from severe illness due to flu.
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“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.”
Flu shots (and COVID-19 vaccines) are currently available to individuals at higher risk of severe complications:
- Residents and staff of congregate-living settings (such as 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 the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (influenza and COVID-19); and
- Members of racialized and other equity deserving communities.
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Health-care workers and first responders are also currently eligible to be vaccinated.
Free flu shots for the general public will be available starting Oct. 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, the public health unit said. The unit is offering flu shots at COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Clinic dates and locations are available at hpph.ca/getvaccinated. Appointments are required and can be booked at ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or by calling the provincial vaccine contact center at 1-833-943-3900 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm, excluding holidays).
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As respiratory illness season continues, the health unit is encouraging everyone to use layers of protection to prevent getting and spreading respiratory viruses, including the flu and COVID-19, by:
- Staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots;
- Wearing a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in indoor public settings, especially anyone at higher risk of severe infection;
- Screening 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;
- Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve;
- Regularly cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces like door knobs, toys, and counter tops; and
- Improving indoor ventilation.
More information about prevention and local data about respiratory virus activity are available on the respiratory illness section at hpph.ca/illness. Those who are ill can call 81- or visit ontario.ca/health811 to obtain confidential health advice from a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more information, contact Huron Perth public health at 1-888-221-2133 or visit hpph.ca/illness. Huron Perth public health can be followed on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) @HPPublicHealth.
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