Influenza Activity Now Confirmed in Peterborough This Season
Written by admin, November 22, 2012
November 22, 2012 – The Peterborough Public Health is now reporting several local cases of seasonal influenza today.
“Two of the cases are lab-confirmed cases for influenza A, and the others are linked. 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.”
The Public Health is running two more community vaccination clinics as follows:
- Thursday, November 22 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Cavan-Monaghan Gymnasium, 988 County Road 10, Millbrook
- Wednesday, November 28 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Activity Haven, Queen Alexandra Building, 180 Barnardo Ave., Peterborough
Vaccine is also available at physician offices or by appointment at Public Health.
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
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.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391