Lakelands Public Health confirms first flu case of the season
Photo by Mufid Majun. Free Use. Unsplash
By Cecilia Nasmith
Lakelands Public Health is announcing the first laboratory-confirmed case of the flu (Influenza A, to be exact) in the City of Peterborough – one month earlier than the first case last year, which came in October.
During last year's respiratory season, the Lakelands Public Health region (which includes Northumberland County and Alderville First Nation) had 1,104 laboratory-confirmed flu cases.
The confirmation marks the beginning of respiratory season, Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Thomas Piggott said in the announcement.
“We all have a role to play in prevention to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities,” Dr. Piggott added.
“Getting the flu vaccine when it becomes available is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of severe illness, particularly for those who are more vulnerable.”
Lakelands Public Health urges residents to take steps to prevent the spread of flu, as well as other respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 and RSV, by taking several important steps.
Stay home if you feel unwell to avoid spreading the illness.
Practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently, cleaning high-touch surfaces regularly, and covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow or arm.
Pay attention to indoor air quality. Plan outdoor gatherings and, when inside, consider opening windows and doors or running air-filtration systems.
Consider masking in indoor settings if you are recovering from a respiratory infection, or if you want to avoid infection (especially if you are at higher risk of severe illness from a respiratory infection).
Get vaccinated. The flu vaccine, expected to become available in October, is free for anyone aged six months and older. This is especially important for older adults, young children and pregnant individuals. It is also a good idea to speak with one's primary care provider or pharmacist about RSV and COVID-19 vaccines.
Lakelands has activated a respiratory infections dashboard on its website, with information on lab-confirmed cases of common respiratory infections as well as information on outbreaks declare in the highest-risk settings.
