Influenza is raging in Sudbury.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) reported Monday that the area is experiencing a 20-year high in recorded flu cases.
PHSD said residents are reminded to take precautions to reduce the spread of flu during the holiday season.
"Influenza activity began unusually early this year, and the number of confirmed influenza cases to date this season has surpassed the number of cases reported during the entire influenza season for more than the past 20 years," said a news release from PHSD.
As of December 16, PHSD said it had documented laboratory reports of more than 300 confirmed local cases of flu.
“The first influenza case was confirmed at the end of October in our service area, which is at least two months earlier than in past years,” said Dr. Imran Adrian Khan, Public Health Physician with PHSD. “As of Dec. 16, we had received reports of 300 laboratory confirmed local cases of influenza.”
Currently, Influenza A is the only type of influenza virus circulating locally that has been identified through testing, said the release.
"In addition to a high number of influenza infections, we continue to see ongoing COVID-19 transmission and illness," the release also stated.
In addition to the warning of the severity of the outbreak, PHSD is advising city residents to follow basic precautions especially with the holiday season and that more people will be gathering with others.
Among the prescribed precautions, PHSD recommends:
- Staying up to date on COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations. Visit a local pharmacy or book a shot through the health unit.
- Wearing a well-fitted mask when indoors or in crowded spaces.
- Covering your cough or sneeze by using your upper sleeve or a tissue.
- Washing your hands often or using hand sanitizer.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands to prevent germs from entering your body.
- Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and light switches.
- Staying home when sick.
- Staying away from people who are sick.
- Checking the COVID-19 Risk Index and Respiratory Activity Report regularly to understand your level of risk.
For more information about influenza or COVID-19 and on how to get vaccinated, please visit www.phsd.ca or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705-522-9200 (toll-free 1-866-522-9200).
