Influenza A Cases Confirmed in District of Thunder Bay
THUNDER BAY, ON – The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) is reporting two laboratory-confirmed cases of Influenza A in the Thunder Bay District. With the flu now in our community, the health unit is urging the public to consider a flu shot to protect themselves and those in their lives who are at higher risk of serious illness from the flu.
“As it takes two weeks to build immunity after getting the shot, it’s important to get immunized sooner rather than later,” says Manager of Infectious Diseases Diana Gowanlock. “Influenza is a highly contagious disease and can have serious complications. There is still time to get protected.”
These first two cases were confirmed in younger children. This age group is a focus of this year’s campaign as the highest number of flu cases are in children ages 1 to 4. Children between the ages of 6 months and 4 years can receive their flu shot from a health care provider or at one of the Health Unit’s community clinics. Children 5 and older can also get their shot from any of the participating pharmacists in both the City and the surrounding District. With more options than in the past, it has never been more convenient to get a flu shot.
To find a flu clinic, visit ThunderBayFlu.ca or call the flu line at 624-9082 (Toll-free 1-866-607-3337). Other locations can be found by visiting the provincial flu locator service at ontario.ca/flu.
In addition to the flu shot, the Health Unit reminds the public to prevent getting and spreading illness-causing germs by:
- Washing hands often for at least 15 seconds with soap and warm water or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Covering coughs and sneezes with the upper sleeve if no tissue is available.
- Putting all used tissues in the garbage right away.
- Staying at home if sick to avoid spreading infections to others
For more information, call the TBDHU at 625-5900 or 1-888-294-6630.
