Flu Arrives in Huron County

October 23, 2015

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.

The Health Unit wants to remind people that the flu shot is the best protection against seasonal influenza. This year a FluMist® nasal spray vaccine will be available for two to 17 year olds. Currently there are limited quantities so it will be prioritized for kids two to five years old. It will be available at the Health Unit’s clinics as well as at most health care provider offices.

Public Health Nurse Susan Hart says, “By getting immunized, you reduce your chances of becoming ill with the flu. If you do get sick, symptoms will be milder.”

You can get a flu shot at many pharmacies, health care provider offices and through the Health Unit at the following clinics:

Clinton
Royal Canadian Legion
Wednesday, October 28 from 3-6 PM

Seaforth
Seaforth Community Centre
Monday, November 2 from 3-6 PM

Family Health Teams and Community Health Centres also offer flu shot clinics for their patients.

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: Sharon Brown, Executive Assistant, Huron County Health Unit, 519.482.3416 or toll-free 1.877.837.6143 ext. 2224 or sbrown@huroncounty.ca.

Our spokesperson is: Susan Hart, Public Health Nurse. Our media contact will connect you to our spokesperson on this topic.

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For more information contact:

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