The Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) said Monday it has confirmed cases of influenza A within its local jurisdiction. “This local activity is in line with the sharp rise in influenza cases detected across Canada in recent weeks,” a PHSD press release said. Residents of the area are reminded to protect themselves and others from respiratory infections by applying simple and effective protection practices. This is a significant change from the situation in mid-March, when the PHSD said it had been more than two years since there had been significant flu cases. In a report by Sudbury.com in March, the health unit said up to that point and throughout the pandemic, there were no confirmed cases of flu. “The last reported flu cases reported to Public Health Sudbury & Districts occurred between October 2019 and March 2020. During this period, 85 confirmed cases were reported,” the PHSD said. The health unit said one of the main reasons for this was that people were taking consistent precautions against COVID-19, which is also a respiratory disease. “Through the COVID-19 pandemic, we learned the simple ways to protect ourselves from respiratory diseases. “These behaviors, such as staying home when sick, washing hands, masking and vaccinating, protect us from the flu as well as COVID-19,” said Justeen Mansourian, a PHSD public health nurse. The impact of the flu is monitored locally and nationally by Health Canada. For residents who may be concerned about the flu germ, vaccines are available throughout the Sudbury Health Unit area. “The flu vaccine is still available at locations across the community, including local pharmacies and health care providers’ offices. “Public Health Sudbury & Districts also offers influenza vaccines by appointment at many of our sites,” Mansourian said. “This year is unusual, as we are seeing a very late start to the flu season, which in Canada usually lasts from November to April. Our first cases are usually reported in December or January with the period ending in March or April. “The flu season at the end of the season is spreading across Canada, with flu activity skyrocketing in April and approaching seasonal levels in some parts of the country,” Mansourian said. The PHSD said it reminds residents that the flu vaccine is offered free of charge in Ontario to anyone aged six months and over and remains the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu. The vaccine is highly recommended for people with medical conditions who are at risk of developing complications from a flu infection, Mansurian said. The health unit said the flu is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause fever, cough, muscle aches and fatigue. Most people will recover from the flu within a week to 10 days, but some are at greater risk of developing more serious complications such as pneumonia. Children may also have mild stomach upsets due to the flu. The most common symptoms usually include fever, runny nose and cough. With COVID-19 still prevalent in the community and with some common symptoms in other respiratory illnesses, including the flu, it can be difficult to know which virus you have, PHSD said. Regardless of the cause of the infection, the same protective measures are still in place to prevent the disease or the spread of the flu and other viruses. The health unit advises locals that if they have symptoms, they should stay home, wear a mask if you are close to others, wash their hands often and avoid contact with vulnerable people. For more information on the flu virus or flu vaccination opportunities, visit our website at phsd.ca or call Public Health Sudbury & District at 705.522.9200 (toll free 1.866.522.9200).
