Flu Arrives in Huron County

December 11, 2014

Huron County, ON – Flu has officially arrived in Huron County. The first laboratory-confirmed case of Influenza A has been reported to the Huron County Health Unit. There has also been a confirmed Influenza A outbreak in a Huron County long-term care facility.

The flu shot remains your best protection against seasonal influenza. Even though it is a less than an ideal match this year, the vaccine can still provide some protection against circulating viruses.

In addition, it’s important to remember that the flu vaccine contains three flu viruses. When there is a less than ideal match or lower effectiveness against one virus, the vaccine can still protect against the other viruses.

“The flu vaccine is strongly recommended for everyone 6 months and older,” says Public Health Nurse Ruth Ann Ogilvie. “By getting immunized, you greatly reduce your chances of becoming ill with the flu. If you do get sick, symptoms will be milder.”

Flu is a highly contagious viral infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. It causes sudden fever, sore throat, chills, dry cough, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Most people who get the flu are sick for two to seven days, but can feel tired and weak for up to two weeks. In some cases, the cough can also last for weeks.

In seniors and people with chronic health problems, such as lung or heart disease or diabetes, flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia.

Flu spreads very easily from person to person in tiny droplets from the nose and throat. To reduce the risk, you should:

  • Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and hot water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm.
  • Stay home if you’re sick.
  • Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces such as keyboards, doorknobs, and countertops.
  • Get your flu shot.

For more information about the flu and where to get a flu shot in Huron County, visit www.huronhealthunit.ca or call 1-877-837-6143 x 2329.

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For more information:

Our media contact is: Rita Marshall, Communications Co-ordinator, 519-482-3416 or 1-877-837-6143 ext. 2023 or rmarshall@huroncounty.ca

Our spokesperson is: Ruth Ann Ogilvie, Public Health Nurse

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For more information contact:

Susan Cronin, County Clerk
519.524.8394 (ext 3257)
scronin@huroncounty.ca