Public Health says this flu season is “on par” with what they expected.
“We just received our first confirmed case of influenza yesterday,” says Bill Sherlock, Program Manager at Hastings Prince Edward Public Health. The case comes from a retirement home in Belleville, Sherlock says. He says the one confirmed case so far is on par with what’s expected at this time of year.
“This is about the time we expect to see cases popping up in the area,” Sherlocks says about the flu virus. He added that it usually peaks around Christmas and the start of the new year, and then starts to dwindle as we move towards April.
Sherlock recommends getting your flu shot if you haven’t already. He also passed along some basic hygiene tips saying that it’s important to frequently wash your hands as well as cover your cough. Sherlock adds that it’s important to clean off surfaces you frequently touch as well. The flu stays on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours so cleaning off things like doorknobs or handles and desktops is important during flu season.
For information on how to book a flu appointment with Public Health, go to their website.