The number of people with the flu is rising in the North Bay Parry Sound District.
Kendra Carswell, Public Health Nurse with Communicable Disease Control at the Health Unit, explains the flu season so far.
"This season has started a little bit later locally, as far as lab confirmed cases go. We don't really know when the flu season would have started because we only know this information from lab tests done through the hospital. So this year our first lab confirmed case was slightly later than last year."
There are now 25 lab-confirmed cases of influenza in the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit region. The count includes 23 cases of Influenza A, one case of Influenza B and one case of Co-infection of Influenza A and Influenza B. The health unit website indicates the numbers are current as of Saturday.
To compare, during the 2013-14 season, there were a total of 129 lab-confirmed cases of Influenza A and 84 cases of Influenza B.
Carswell still urges people to consider the flu shot. She says it’s not too late. "There is a slight mismatch in the flu vaccine this year but it still is the best defense in immunization against the flu."
Carswell cautions readers about spreading infectious germs if you are not feeling well.
"If anybody is sick it is recommended they do not attend the hospital, unless they are in need of medical care. And if you have symptoms of an illness, do not attend a long-term-care home."
Other precautions include constant hand washing with soap and water through the day as well as sneezing or coughing into one’s own sleeve. Carswell says germs can be projected 2 metres or 6-1/2-feet from a sneeze.
For a list of pharmacies offering the flu shot check here: http://www.myhealthunit.ca/en/clinicsclassesandevents/Pharmacies-Offering-Flu-Shot.asp
The Health Unit accepts inquiries about flu shots at 705-474-1400 ext 2252
