Influenza Arrives in Perth County

Perth County ̶ It’s an early start to the flu season this year. Influenza has arrived in Perth County. The Health Unit is monitoring an outbreak of influenza A in the Mitchell Nursing Home. The facility has put its outbreak protocols in place and is working with the Health Unit to help control the spread of flu.

As always, people who are ill are urged not to visit a long-term care facility.

“Influenza can be unpredictable, proven by this early arrival of flu in our community,” says Lorna Askes, Public Health Nurse. Typically, influenza season in Canada runs from November to April.

Flu Shot Availability

The flu shot is the best way people over 6 months of age can protect themselves and their families from getting sick with the flu.

Currently, the flu shot is only available for people who are at higher risk of complications from the flu, such as:

Children aged 6 months to less than 5 years of age

People aged 65 and older

Children and adults with chronic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, cancer)

Residents of long-term care and retirement homes, or other chronic care facilities

Pregnant women

Indigenous people.

People who fall into a high-risk group are urged to visit their health care provider as soon as possible to get the flu shot.

Those who are unsure if they are considered at high risk can check with their family doctor. Residents who do not have a family doctor are encouraged to call the Health Unit’s Health Line to make arrangements to get a flu shot.

Health care workers, household contacts of a person in a high risk group, and people who provide care to children under 5 years of age, are also encouraged to get their flu shot through their family doctor.

For residents who are at lower risk of complications from the flu, the flu shot will be available starting in late October through:

Your family doctor – ages 6 months and over

All pharmacies in Perth County – ages 5+

The Perth District Health Unit in Stratford and Listowel at by-appointment clinics – especially for children under 5 and their families

Appointments can be booked online at: pdhu.on.ca/flushot

Drop-in community clinics at Spruce Lodge (643 West Gore St.) in Stratford – ages 6 months and over

Friday, October 28: 10am – 4pm

Thursday, November 10: 10am – 4pm

Healthy Habits

To protect against the flu and help stop the spread of influenza in the community, the Health Unit advises all residents to take these precautions:

Wash hands thoroughly and often

Cough or sneeze into your sleeve

Keep surfaces and items disinfected

Stay home if you are sick

Get a flu shot.

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