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Flu slowdown

The North Bay and District Health Unit says the flu situation is slowing down for now.
The North Bay and District Health Unit says the flu situation is slowing down for now. Details are included in the following news release issued to today by the health unit:
____________________________________________________________The North Bay & District Health Unit reports that the number of new cases of influenza in the district has remained stable in the past week. Only one new case has been confirmed, putting the total of laboratory-confirmed cases this season at 116. No new deaths related to influenza have been reported; the total remains at six, all of which have been among elderly people. Institutions across the district are currently reporting no influenza activity.

Leeann Whitney, manager of the Infectious Diseases team at the Health Unit, said “It is important that people continue to take influenza seriously. The flu season is not over yet, and it is possible that we could see a second wave of it in our district. We are still recommending a flu shot for those who have not yet received the vaccination.”

Whitney also noted the importance of frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water to protect against viruses such as influenza. While restrictions on visitors to hospitals and institutions in the district may have been lifted, she reminded anyone who has a cold or flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle aches, headache, congestion and cough) to stay away from others, especially those who are more vulnerable to influenza and its complications, such as elderly people, very young children, and those with medical conditions.

The Health Unit has received few reports of absenteeism from schools due to influenza.

For more information on influenza and the flu shot, call 474-1400, ext 252.