Peterborough Public Health Reports First Influenza Case of the Season; Flu Shots Available This Fall
/Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has reported the first confirmed case of influenza in our region announced on Wednesday.
File Photo.
This year’s case comes significantly earlier than those identified prior to the pandemic according to PPH. They reported the first confirmed case of the 2018-19 flu season on Dec. 3 and Nov. 1 in the following year.
“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 six months are eligible for the flu shot when available.
“Like COVID-19, the influenza vaccine is very important for preventing severe symptoms related to the viral infection,” said Dr. Piggott. “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 five years are reminded by PPH that the influenza vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered. There is no specific time interval that is required to wait between doses.
Dr. Piggott says residents that COVID-19 prevention measures are also effective at preventing an influenza infection. PPH encourages residents 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
