The Middlesex-London Health Unit says with the holidays approaching, now is a perfect time to get that flu shot.
The health unit provided its periodic update on influenza surveillance Wednesday. Only one case of influenza-A was reported in London-Middlesex for the period between December 1 and December 7. A total of three cases were reported since September 1.
Despite the slow start to the local flu season, the health unit is still urging people to get the shot before more people get sick since the antibodies take a couple of weeks to become active.
"By getting their flu shot now, local residents would be better protected against influenza when gathering together with family and friends over the holiday season," the health unit said in the report. "Being vaccinated would also prevent them from being able to transmit influenza to others."
The report also showed that during the week surveyed, 8.1 per cent of patients seen in emergency departments were treated for fever and respiratory issues. This is a slight increase from the week before when the percentage was 7.2 per cent.
The health unit says people can take steps to reduce the risk of getting or spreading germs that can cause illness, like frequent handwashing, using hand sanitizer, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and staying home when you're sick.
The flu shot is available at clinics and doctor's offices, as well as at pharmacies across the region.
