Peterborough Public Health Reports the First Influenza Case of the Season
Written by Comms Team, September 21, 2022
Influenza Vaccines Will Be Available Later This Fall
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Peterborough Public Health is reporting the first confirmed case of influenza in our region. This year’s first influenza case comes significantly earlier than those identified prior to the pandemic. In the 2018-19 flu season the first case was confirmed on December 3. In the 2019-20 flu season the first case was confirmed on November 1.
“We are seeing a very early start to the season and want to caution our community that a confirmed case typically indicates that influenza is already transmitting.” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Following trends from the southern hemisphere, we anticipate that influenza will make a strong resurgence this season. We strongly encourage residents to follow guidance to prevent the transmission of respiratory infections such as influenza and COVID-19. This includes getting vaccinated with the flu shot when it becomes available this fall and checking the COVID-19 risk index and guidance regularly.”
The flu shot will be available later this fall and is free to all eligible residents. Residents over the age of 6 months will be eligible for the flu shot when they are available. Dr. Piggott mentioned, “like COVID-19, the influenza vaccine is very important for preventing severe symptoms related to the viral infection. We are strongly encouraging those with weaker immune systems, those who are pregnant, older adults, young children, and caregivers of these individuals to receive their flu shot this fall.” Residents over the age of 5 years are reminded that the influenza vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered. Meaning there is no specific time interval that is required to wait between doses.
Dr. Piggott is reminding residents that COVID-19 prevention measures are also effective at preventing an influenza infection. Residents are encouraged to,
- Get the flu shot when it becomes available
- Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 and other routine vaccines
- Follow risk guidance measures recommended in the Local COVID-19 Risk Index
- Wear a tightly fitting N95/KN95 mask to prevent transmission in higher risk and indoor settings, when the risk index advises
- Be mindful of indoor air ventilation, and open windows, run HVAC regularly and otherwise improve indoor air ventilation
- Stay home if you are feeling unwell
- Wash your hands frequently
- Clean and sanitize commonly-used surfaces frequently
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or tissue and washing hands afterwards
Peterborough’s Local COVID-19 Risk Index is currently at moderate. Residents are encouraged to use the local tracker to make personal decisions about their health. Increased precautions are important for those at risk of severe disease including those who are not yet vaccinated or are not up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines, older adults (60+), immunocompromised individuals or those with medical risk factors for severe disease or outcomes from COVID-19.
Residents are also encouraged to stay-up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines. To find information on COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics please visit:?www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/vaccineclinics.
-30-
For further information, please contact:
Sarah Gill
A/Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 352