London, ON – The Middlesex-London Health Unit has received confirmation of the community’s first locally-acquired case of influenza A, which could indicate influenza is starting to circulate in the community. The Health Unit will continue to work with local hospitals, schools and long-term care facilities to monitor community influenza activity.

As we head into the holiday season, and with festive gatherings and parties planned for the days and weeks ahead, the Health Unit is reminding residents to get their annual influenza vaccination. There are still two community influenza vaccination clinics scheduled. The first is today from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Clarke Road Secondary School and the other is Tuesday, December 10th at the Lambeth Community Centre. The free seasonal flu vaccine is also available at the Health Unit’s Immunization Clinics in London and Strathroy, as well as at many pharmacies, physicians’ offices and some workplaces.

“Influenza virus can infect anyone and can leave you aching and miserable for days and it can spread easily when people get together in close groups, like during the holidays,” says Tristan Squire-Smith, Manager of the Health Unit’s Infectious Diseases Control Team. “The easiest way to prevent becoming ill, and from making other people sick, is to get the flu shot.”

Those who get immunized not only reduce their risk of becoming sick, they also protect those around them, especially people who are most vulnerable to the influenza virus. While anyone can get the flu, seniors, people with chronic medical conditions, very young children, pregnant women, aboriginal people and those who are obese, are at higher risk of developing complications associated with the virus, such as pneumonia, which could lead to hospitalizations, and even deaths.

Common influenza symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, coughing, sore throat, muscle aches and fatigue. In addition to getting a flu shot, the Health Unit recommends cleaning hands frequently with pump soap and water or an alcohol-based waterless hand sanitizer, coughing into your upper arm, and staying home if you become ill, as effective ways to prevent spreading influenza.

Important notice to the media:
The media may contact the Health Unit for updates with regard to influenza activity in Middlesex-London, and will receive regular community updates as they are published.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)

Spokesperson:
Tristan Squire-Smith, Infectious Disease Control Team Manager