First confirmed case of flu in Huron Perth; multiple viruses circulating

Huron Perth, ON - Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) has received confirmation of the first case of influenza (flu) in a Huron County resident. The lab-confirmed result means that flu is circulating in Huron Perth.

“We can all expect this respiratory illness season to be more complicated with influenza, COVID-19, and other viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulating at the same time,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth. “I encourage all residents aged six months and older to get their influenza immunization (“flu shot”) this fall. It is the best way to protect yourselves and your loved ones from severe illness due to flu. Also, remember to ‘layer up’ precautions so you can protect yourself, your loved ones and the community during this respiratory illness season.”

Who can receive flu shots currently:

  • Flu shots are currently available to:
    • Hospital staff and patients
    • Long-term care home staff and residents
    • Individuals at high risk for flu related complications or hospitalizations (e.g. pregnant individuals, people aged 65 and older, Indigenous peoples, and individuals with chronic health conditions)

Who can receive flu shots starting Tuesday, November 1:

Starting November 1, flu shots will be available to everyone aged 6 months and older through:

  • Primary Care Provider’s office (family doctor or nurse practitioner): for those ages 6 months and older. Contact your primary care provider’s office for information on how to get the vaccine.
  • Pharmacies: for those ages 2 and older. Contact your local pharmacy for more information.
  • Huron Perth Public Health clinics: for families with children 6 months to less than 2 years of age who do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner. The Health Unit is offering two clinics in November:
    • Monday, November 14, 2022, 3-6 p.m. | HPPH Clinton site | 77722B London Road, Clinton
    • Monday, November 21, 2022, 3-6 p.m. | HPPH Stratford West Gore site | 653 West Gore Street, Stratford
    • An appointment is needed. To book an appointment, please call 1-888-221-2133 ext 3558.

Please note that HPPH will not be offering community flu shot clinics for the general public, nor will the flu shot be available at HPPH COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

The influenza vaccine does not protect against other viruses, such as norovirus (the ‘stomach flu’), or COVID-19, but it does protect against severe illness from the influenza virus. It is important get your influenza vaccine annually.

How to “layer up” and protect yourself this respiratory illness season:

HPPH encourages all residents to “layer up” to help prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses in the community. Each of the below actions adds a layer of protection against contracting and spreading illness:

  • Staying home when sick.
  • Wearing a mask for 10 days after the start of respiratory illness symptoms, a positive COVID-19 test result, or exposure to someone with COVID-19.
    • Also consider wearing a mask in indoor settings if you are at higher risk of severe illness, or interact with elderly or immune compromised individuals.
  • Not visiting immunocompromised individuals or high-risk settings such as long-term care homes for 10 days after you are sick. This will reduce the chances of spreading illness to this vulnerable population.
  • Washing hands often with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after touching your face or high-touch surfaces.
  • Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not your hands.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, light switches and cell phones, especially if someone is sick.
  • Avoiding crowded indoor spaces.
  • Maintaining physical distance.
  • Staying up to date on all vaccinations for which you are eligible.
    • COVID-19 booster doses are recommended to everyone aged five and over to help restore protection that may have decreased since your last dose. Visit www.hpph.ca/getvaccinated to decide the right timing for you.

 For more information:

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Media Contact: communications@hpph.ca