Influenza A is the primary flu concern so far this flu season in the North Bay-Parry Sound region.
“We continue to see cases of influenza in our area,” Louise Anello, Program Manager for the Communicable Disease Control Program at the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.
The situation here is not bad in the north compared to central Ontario where there are growing concerns about rampant flu outbreaks.
“When influenza is circulating in our community we also have influenza outbreaks in institutions,” stated Anello.
In this region, Anello says Influenza A H3N2 is the dominant strain circulating this year.
“H3N2 influenza seasons tends to cause greater illness, hospitalizations and deaths,” she stated.
So far 84 cases have been confirmed in the region but officials remind the public those come from laboratory-confirmed cases and from any institutional outbreaks. But since so many people do not seek treatment when they are sick, those numbers are likely much higher.
The local Health Unit reminds the public that it is never too late to get the flu shot.
“Protect yourself, family and community stay home when ill, cover coughs and sneezes and wash hands often,” she said.
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