Flu season has arrived in the Southwestern Public Health region

Southwestern Public Health has been notified of one lab-confirmed case of influenza A this week – the first such case reported to public health for the 2024-2025 respiratory season.

This confirmed case is an indication that influenza is circulating in the community, marking the start of the annual flu season in Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas. “Influenza can result in serious complications for some individuals, so it is vital that those at high-risk of complications seek vaccination as soon as possible,” says Dr. Joyce Lock, Acting Medical Officer of Health for Southwestern Public Health. “You can also protect your loved ones who may be at a high-risk of illness by staying home when you are unwell, washing your hands often, and covering your coughs and sneezes.”

Individuals who are at a high-risk of complications from respiratory illnesses and priority populations have been eligible for COVID-19 and influenza vaccination in Ontario since October 28. Talk to your healthcare provider or a participating pharmacy to get vaccinated. Southwestern Public Health also has limited vaccination appointments only for young children 5 and under. Book online at www.swpublichealth.ca/bookaflushot.

According to Health Canada, influenza and pneumonia are ranked among the top 10 leading causes of death in Canada. Each year there are approximately 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths across Canada from influenza alone. Common symptoms include fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, muscle or body aches, weakness, and fatigue. These symptoms can be severe and life-threatening for some individuals.

For more information about influenza, visit www.ontario.ca/flu. You can also access local data about respiratory illnesses – including COVID-19 and influenza – through the Respiratory Virus Activity Dashboard.