KAWARTHA LAKES-The Health Unit says their most recent statistics show 20 lab-confirmed flu cases have been reported across the region this flu season with 4 local cases of the H1N1 strain also known as swine flu.
“H1N1 seems to be the dominant strain of flu circulating in Canada this year, and typically, it is more likely to affect younger children and young adults. But unlike other parts of Canada, the Health Unit is not yet seeing as big an impact on children being affected by flu this year in our region.” Marianne Rock, Manager, Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Department told Kawartha 411 News.
Swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus, is a relatively new strain of an influenza virus that causes symptoms similar to the regular flu. It originated in pigs but is spread primarily from person to person. Swine flu was first discovered in humans in 2009. More than 120 people died across the province in the initial outbreak.
While the Health Unit says it has seen an increase in local flu activity over the past week, there are still have fewer flu cases than this time last year. In the 2017/2018 flu season, there were 27 lab-confirmed flu cases across the Health Unit region – seven more than we have seen so far this year.
Rock says of the 20 local flu cases so far, only one-quarter (five of the 20) have affected children 14 years of age and younger. The largest population group affected by influenza locally this flu season are people 65 years of age and older – which is typically the norm for most flu seasons. “There have been a number of respiratory outbreaks at local long-term care homes, which isn’t unusual for this time of year when we know there is influenza activity occurring in the area.”
The symptoms of swine flu are very much like those of regular influenza. They include:
- chills
- fever
- coughing
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- body aches
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- nausea and vomiting
Rock says the best way to protect yourself from the illness is to prevent it.
“It’s important to remind people that there is still time to get your flu shot this winter. Flu shots are free, safe and effective. Flu shots are also readily available through doctors’ offices and pharmacies across Ontario. Just like wearing a seatbelt, vaccination is your best protection…  your best option. The more people who are vaccinated reduces the spread of influenza in our community. This is especially important to protect people who are most at risk from flu complications… like young children, older adults, people with underlying medical conditions, and pregnant women.” Rock says.
The Health Unit recommends you: wash your hands thoroughly and often; sneeze and cough into your sleeves; stay home from work and school if sick; and keep your body’s immune system strong by eating well, getting enough sleep, and being physically active on a regular basis.
