Flu confirmed across the district

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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Laboratory-confirmed influenza has now been reported across the district, according to Dr. Catherine Whiting, Medical Officer of Health for the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. There are now confirmed cases of influenza in both Nipissing and West Parry Sound areas.

Sheila Marchant-Short, Manager of Communicable Disease Control at the Health Unit, noted that “Compared to the past several years, this is early in the season to have lab-confirmed cases of influenza.” She also reminds people that frequent, thorough hand-washing with soap and water is one of the best methods of protection from viruses such as influenza.

The Health Unit advises people that it is not too late to get an influenza immunization because the influenza season continues through the winter months. It takes up to two weeks to gain full protection from the vaccine. To receive the vaccine, the public may contact their health care provider, visit one of the Health Unit’s Influenza Immunization Clinics, or contact the Health Unit for an appointment. A schedule of influenza clinics may be viewed online at www.nbpsdhu.ca.

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