Four deaths related to influenza

Four people have died of influenza-related illness, the North Bay and District Health Unit reports.
More details are included in the following news release issued today by the unit:

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INFLUENZA UPDATE

The North Bay & District Health Unit has received laboratory confirmation of 98 cases of influenza as of today’s date. One laboratory-confirmed case in West Nipissing has been sub-typed as the A Fujian strain, and the Health Unit expects to have confirmation of the strain circulating in the district within the next few weeks. Seven institutions have confirmed influenza A outbreaks. Four elderly people in the district have died of influenza-related illness, which is similar to the number of deaths in typical influenza seasons.

During the extended flu clinic on January 8 at the Health Unit, public health nurses administered 250 vaccinations. The January 15 clinic will also be offered from 9 am to 6 pm, and no appointment is necessary for the flu shot. Flu shots are available at other times; however, an appointment is necessary. People should call 474-1400, ext 252 to arrange for an alternate time for the vaccination. Flu clinics will also be available from 9 to 11 am on January 22 and 29. The flu shot takes up to two weeks to provide full immunization.

Leeann Whitney, manager of the Infectious Diseases team at the Health Unit, said, “We cannot stress enough the importance of the flu shot in protecting people who are more vulnerable to influenza and its complications, such as elderly people, very young children, and those with medical conditions. As well, when people make the choice not to visit anyone if they have flu-like symptoms, they help us contain the spread of the virus.” Flu-like symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, congestion and cough. Even people with mild symptoms such as sore throat or the sniffles are advised to stay away.



Whitney went on to correct a myth that cold weather decreases the spread of influenza. “Cold weather can actually increase the spread of the virus. People tend to spend more time indoors, in enclosed spaces such as shopping malls, and they may use public transportation more. School children may be kept indoors for recess and lunch breaks. Viruses spread more easily when conditions are more crowded.”

The Health Unit continues to remind the public that frequent, thorough handwashing with soap and water is still one of the best methods of protection from viruses such as influenza.

For more information about the flu clinics, call the Health Unit at 474-1400, ext 252.