First Local Influenza Case of the Season Reported
Written by admin, January 16, 2016
January 16, 2016 – Flu Vaccine is a Good Match This Year
The Peterborough Public Health reported the first local lab-confirmed case of seasonal influenza today.
“The case is lab-confirmed for influenza B, and we now know that seasonal influenza is circulating in our local population,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Usually there are more cases of influenza in the community than are reported by the lab so we strongly encourage residents to get their flu shot to protect themselves and others – it’s not too late.”
Dr. Salvaterra noted that this year’s flu vaccine is a good match to the strains that are known to be circulating in Ontario according to the latest reports from Public Health Ontario. “The match is even better for kids who received the publicly funded quadrivalent vaccine, available in both nasal spray and needle.”
The flu shot is recommended for everyone over six months of age. It is especially important for people with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, young children, the elderly and anyone who takes care of people in these groups.
Flu shots are widely available at many local pharmacies, from physician offices, and local walk-in clinics.
The Public Health is also offering an influenza vaccine clinic at its new location at Jackson Square, 185 King St. by appointment, on Saturday, January 16, 2016, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
To book an appointment, please call 705-743-1000, ext. 349. Walk-ins are also welcome between 9 and 10 a.m. Saturday, January 16. Clinic services is located on the first floor.
Dr. Salvaterra advised that in addition to getting the flu shot people take the following precautions to reduce the spread of infection:
- Stay home if 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
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391