Public Health Reports First Local Case of Influenza This Season
Written by admin, December 18, 2013
December 18, 2013 – The Peterborough Public Health reported the first local lab-confirmed case of seasonal influenza today.
“The case is lab-confirmed cases for influenza A, and we now know that seasonal influenza is circulating in our local population,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Usually there are more cases of influenza in the community than are reported by the lab so we strongly encourage residents to get their flu shot to protect themselves and others – it’s not too late.”
The flu shot is recommended for everyone over six months of age. It is especially important for people with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, young children, the elderly and anyone who takes care of people in these groups.
Flu shots are widely available at many local pharmacies, from physician offices, and the walk-in clinic at Lansdowne Place Mall above the Supercentre.
The Public Health is also offering by-appointment clinics exclusively for families of young children under five years old at its location on 185 King Street on the following dates:
Saturday, December 21, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, January 4, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, January 18, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To book an appointment, please call 705-743-1000, ext. 139.
Dr. Salvaterra advised that in addition to getting the flu shot people take the following precautions to reduce the spread of infection:
- Stay home if 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
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence, Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391