Hamilton has first confirmed cases of influenza in over 2 years

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Published April 6, 2022 at 4:19 pm

Hamilton has first confirmed cases of influenza in over 2 years
Influenza has officially arrived in Hamilton, just as the end of flu season approaches. Public health says it has detected an increase in flu activity.

Influenza has officially arrived in Hamilton, just as the end of flu season approaches. Public health says it has detected an increase in flu activity.

As of Apr. 5, five cases of lab-confirmed influenza were reported in a span of four days. Public health is reporting that all five cases were Influenza A and are the first confirmed cases in Hamilton since March 30, 2020.

“The flu is a serious illness that affects the breathing system,” said public health in an official media release. “It starts suddenly and often lasts longer than a cold.”

Residents are being encouraged to get their influenza vaccine as soon as possible. According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, the flu shot can be taken at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine.

“Getting the flu shot and staying up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccine immunization,” continued Dr. Bart Harvey, Associate Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton, “along with other everyday precautions such as staying home and away from others when feeling sick, improving airflow in indoor and shared spaces, regular handwashing, covering coughs with arm or tissue, and regular cleaning with surfaces are well-established ways to prevent the spread of illness,”

Ontario is also entering a sixth wave of COVID-19 with few remaining public health measures in place.

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