The local health unit is reporting the first confirmed case of influenza A in Windsor-Essex.
Last year, there were 304 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza, with the first case being reported on November 8, 2017.
Health unit officials are reminding everyone that the best way to protect against the influenza virus and lower your risk of flu is to get the flu vaccine. The health unit cautions that while most people feel healthy, the flu shot has benefits that extend beyond our own immune systems. They add that if people get the flu shot every year, the likelihood of getting the flu is reduced, and that means people are unlikely to spread the disease to family, friends and to the community.
Health unit officials said the flu vaccine is safe and is free for people who work, live or study in Ontario. You can get your flu shot at your doctor or at more than 90 local pharmacies. A health unit community flu clinic will also be held November 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the University of Windsor C.A.W. Student Centre Commons.
The health unit adds that flu symptoms start one to three days after being exposed and individuals with flu can spread the virus before they experience symptoms. People at higher risk of serious complications are young children, babies under 6 months of age who are unable to get the vaccine, adults 65 and over, pregnant women and those living with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, and heart disease.
The health unit recommends keeping your hands clean with thorough and frequent hand washing, coughing and sneezing into your arm, and keeping your hands away from your face to prevent getting or spreading the flu. They also urge people to stay at home if they are sick.
For more information on Influenza or to find a flu vaccine location, visit the health unit's flu page at https://www.wechu.org/flu.
