The province’s chief medical health officer says despite very few confirmed cases of influenza in the province over the last several months, health officials remain on alert.
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Dr. Saqib Shahab says what has worked in our favour so far is our warmer than normal winter with less people congregating inside to get out of the cold.
Flu season is underway and with more cold snaps expected, local experts are reminding you to get your flu shots.
“Last year we had a greater number of flu cases and this year in Oxford County and across the Province we have seen lower numbers which is a great thing”.
Contrary to the belief, Troesoyer says flu vaccinations do not cause the flu.
The flu season across Ontario has been slow moving this year, and it is no different in Oxford County.
The Royal College of Midwives has urged pregnant women to have the latest flu vaccine after reporting an increase in the number of pregnant women receiving the vaccine during 2015.
Eight of those deaths were in Saskatchewan and there were 25 intensive care unit admissions related to the flu season, numbers believed to be under-reported based on 91 outbreaks in long-term care facilities. In certain cases, some children can be offered two doses of the vaccine. “So if you received the vaccine you should be more protected than you were previous year”, said Sawyer. Vaccination will protect against getting influenza a second or even third time this year. Those with allergies to vaccines, however, should not get a flu shot and must consult their doctor for safer alternatives.
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“It’s not too late for people in “at risk” groups to get the vaccine for free, and this remains important now that flu is circulating”. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop.
