Niagara Region Public Health is reporting the first laboratory confirmed flu case of the 2023-2024 season in Niagara.
With COVID-19 also circulating in the community, everyone is encouraged to take the following steps to prevent getting or spreading all respiratory infections that are widespread during colder months:
- Consider wearing a mask indoors and in large outdoor crowds
- Stay home if you are sick
- Get up to date with all vaccines, including the XBB COVID-19 vaccine if eligible, and the flu shot once available
- Ensure your ventilation system is in good working order. If you don’t have a ventilation system, open windows to increase fresh air flow if possible.
- Clean your hands regularly
- Cough into your elbow, arm/sleeve or tissue
- Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces regularly
The flu vaccine will be available in October for high risk people such as those who are pregnant, the elderly, young children, Indigenous people, and those with underlying health conditions. We expect flu vaccine to be available for everyone starting Oct. 30.
The flu is a respiratory illness which causes fevers, coughing, sore throat, body aches and pains, as well as severe illness, and is more common among children and the elderly.
Respiratory illnesses spread both through the air from breathing and talking, through droplets we expel by coughing or sneezing, and through contact with surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus. The elderly, children, and persons with underlying medical conditions are most at risk of severe health outcomes.
Similarly, if you're at a higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 and have symptoms, you should get tested for COVID-19 and seek care as soon as possible. Some pharmacies in Niagara offer PCR COVID-19 testing for eligible individuals. Free rapid antigen tests are available at participating pharmacies and grocery retail locations while supplies last.
Information about flu and weekly flu activity is updated on our website every Friday.