Kingston public health unit confirms first case of influenza A
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The local public health authority is encouraging residents to get their flu shots after receiving laboratory confirmation of this year’s first case of influenza A.
Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox and Addington Public Health said in a news release that the current risk of contracting influenza A is low, but the positive result follows the usual pattern of the illness within the community with cases increasing throughout the fall and peaking during the holiday season.
“I strongly recommended that all residents in the KFL&A region, regardless of age or health status, prioritize getting their flu shot this fall,” Dr. Piotr Oglaza, medical officer of health for KFL&A Public Health, said in a news release. “Influenza can result in severe outcomes and pose serious health risks to anyone, especially to those who have underlying medical conditions, those over 65 years of age, and young children.”
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Public health explained that the southern hemisphere, where they’re finishing up their winter months, had a moderately high influenza season. Australia had more cases this year than the previous year. That country found that rates were highest in 5-9-year-olds, followed by 0-4-year-olds.
“This means that the northern hemisphere could potentially experience similar case rates this respiratory season,” public health said.
The public won’t be eligible for the influenza vaccine until Oct. 28, but they are available for those who are at highest risk at participating pharmacies and through primary care providers. Public health also hosts clinics for individuals under the age of 5 without access to a primary care provider.
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Residents should also practice proper hand hygiene, cough and sneeze into their elbow, and regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces.
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Those who contract influenza may remain infectious for several days after experiencing symptoms and should stay home. Those symptoms include fever greater than 38⁰C/100.4⁰F, cough or chills, headache or muscle aches, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting (mainly exhibited in young children), sore throat, and runny nose.
Once the public is able to access the flu shot, they will be made available at primary health-care providers, local pharmacies, and at a clinic organized by public health.
For more information on respiratory illness prevention, visit kflaph.ca/RespiratoryInfections.
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