January 9, 2013: Influenza, "the flu", is increasing significantly from week
to week in St. Thomas and Elgin County. Symptoms of influenza include sudden onset
of fever, cough, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and sore throat.
Since the beginning of September, Elgin St. Thomas Public Health has received reports
of 41 people with Influenza A. Most of these cases have been identified since December
12, 2012 up to the present date. As most people do not get tested for influenza,
this represents a very small portion of the people who are actually ill with the
disease.
Twenty (20) people have been hospitalized and two (2) deaths have been reported
among people with confirmed influenza since December 12, 2012. Of the 20 people
hospitalized, 4 were children under the age of 10 years. Influenza can easily spread
in settings such as schools, workplaces, hospitals, long-term care homes, child
care centres, and social gatherings. To prevent the spread of influenza, Elgin St.
Thomas Public Health is reminding those who are ill to take the following steps:
- Get vaccinated against influenza - it is not too late to get your flu shot. Elgin
St. Thomas Public Health is hosting an additional flu shot clinic:
- JANUARY 15, 2013; 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM ~ Walk-ins are Welcome!
- Elgin St. Thomas Public Health
- 99 Edward Street, St. Thomas, ON
- Call: 519-631-9900
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Clean hands frequently using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Alcohol-based
hand sanitizers should contain 70-90% alcohol. Hands should be cleaned after using
the washroom, after changing diapers, after shaking hands, and before preparing
and eating food.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces like telephones, computer keyboards, doorknobs,
and light switches with household disinfectants.
For more flu information, please go to
www.elginhealth.on.ca/flu
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