Niagara health unit reporting the first case of the seasonal flu this autumn but warns more coming
Published September 29, 2022 at 10:12 am
The Niagara Region Public Health has just reported the first laboratory confirmed case of flu for the autumn season but is warning more cases will be landing soon enough.
With COVID-19 dominating the news cycle for over two years, most residents have forgotten about the flu but the health unit is warning residents that it’s still out there.
“The southern hemisphere saw an unusually early and unusually strong flu season, and this first flu case may indicate a similar experience for Niagara,” said Dr. Joanne Kearon, Resident Physician with Niagara Region Public Health.
“With the relaxation of most measures to prevent COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory viruses can be expected to make a strong come-back this fall alongside another surge of COVID-19. Being up-to-date on vaccines, wearing masks, and staying home when sick will keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy.”
The health unit said the flu vaccine will be available in October for high risk people such as those who are pregnant, the elderly, young children, Indigenous people, and those with chronic health conditions.
“We expect flu vaccine to be available for everyone by the beginning of November.”
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The health unit added, “The flu vaccine is important to protect both you, but also those around you, particularly children and the elderly. The flu vaccine can be given at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine, so there is no time interval that is required to wait between doses.”
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