Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) reported Monday that it has confirmed cases of Influenza A within its local jurisdiction.
"This local activity is aligned with the sharp increase in influenza cases detected across Canada in the last few weeks," said a news release from PHSD. Area residents are reminded to protect themselves and others from respiratory infections by implementing simple and effective protective practices.
This is a significant change from the situation in mid-March when PHSD said it had been more than two years since there had been any significant outbreaks of the flu.
In a story Sudbury.com reported in March, the health unit said up to that point and throughout the pandemic, there had been no confirmed cases of the flu.
"The last reported cases of influenza reported to Public Health Sudbury & Districts occurred between October 2019, and March 2020. During that time, there were 85 confirmed cases reported," said PHSD.
The health unit said one of the key reasons for that was that people took solid precautions against COVID-19, which is also a respiratory disease.
“Through the COVID-19 pandemic, we have learned of the simple ways to protect ourselves from respiratory disease. These behaviours, such as staying home when ill, handwashing, masking, and getting vaccinated, protect us from influenza as well as COVID-19,” said Justeen Mansourian, a PHSD public health nurse.
The incidence of flu is monitored locally as well as nationally by Health Canada.
For residents who might be worried about the flu bug, vaccines are available throughout the Sudbury health unit area.
“Influenza vaccine is still available at locations throughout the community, including local pharmacies and health care providers’ offices. Public Health Sudbury & Districts also offers flu vaccines by appointment at many of our locations,” Mansourian said.
“This year is unusual in that we are seeing a very late start to the influenza season, which, in Canada, typically runs from November to April. Our first cases are usually reported in December or January with the season wrapping up in March or April. The late season influenza trend is occurring across Canada, with influenza activity spiking in April and approaching seasonal levels in some parts of the country,” said Mansourian.
PHSD said it is reminding residents that the influenza vaccine is offered free of charge in Ontario for anyone aged six months of age or older and remains the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza. The vaccine is particularly recommended for people with medical conditions who are at risk of developing complications from an influenza infection, said Mansourian.
The health unit said influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause fever, cough, muscle aches, and fatigue. Most people will recover from influenza infection within a week to 10 days, but some are at greater risk of developing more severe complications such as pneumonia. Children can also have mild stomach upset due to influenza. The most common symptoms usually include fever, runny nose, and cough.
With COVID-19 continuing to circulate widely in the community, and with some common symptoms to other respiratory illnesses, including influenza, it can be difficult to know what virus you have, said PHSD.
Regardless of the cause of the infection, the same protective measures still apply to help prevent becoming sick with or spreading influenza and other viruses. The health unit advises area residents that if they have symptoms, they should stay at home, wear a mask if you're near others, wash your hands frequently and avoid contact with vulnerable persons.
For more information on the influenza virus or influenza vaccination opportunities, please visit our website at phsd.ca or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).
