Grey Bruce Public Health is reminding people to get their flu shots for the season.
Infectious Diseases Program Manager Gillian Jordan says that even though we’re into January, it’s not to late to get one.
“There are places in the community that folks could go to today. It does take a couple of days to get into your system and get ramped up, but given that we’re seeing increased influenza activity locally, and it’s expected provincially to continue increasing over the next few weeks, it’s a great opportunity to take advantage to of this time, get your flu shot, and get some protection.”
Current data says that there has been an uptick in the number of cases of Influenza A both locally and provincially.
“The flu is a changing virus, so every year it tends to get a little bit different, so even if you had it once a couple of years ago, unlike some of our other vaccine-preventable illnesses like measles and mumps, where you had [the vaccine] as a kid and you’d still be having that immunity now, that isn’t necessarily the same thing for influenza.”
Two Influenza A outbreaks have recently been declared at local long-term care and retirement homes in recent weeks. One outbreak has also been declared over.
Jordan says that it’s important to get an immunization not only to keep yourself safe but to help the more vulnerable part of the population from getting sick too.
“There are lots of things that can play a factor into how well someone will fare if they do pick up the virus. We know people who are very young or very old or have other health things going on. What might be pretty mild infections for one person that they can clear at home on their own can really be quite severe for others.”
Public Health is also advising that everyone over the age of six months get their COVID-19 XXB.1.5 booster. Jordan says it’s also wise for those who are at risk for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to get that vaccine as well.
Aside from getting vaccinated, you can stay safe from the flu by practicing proper handwashing procedures, and wearing a mask when feeling under the weather when you do have to leave the house.
Grey Bruce Public Health has developed an online map of local pharmacies that are offering both flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
