The local health unit has its first lab confirmed case of influenza for the season, triggering fears of a tough winter ahead.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health says flu vaccines are now available to the general public. Officials are urging people to use them to protect their loved ones, the vulnerable and a health care system that’s already stressed.
The health unit says a difficult respiratory virus season is expected this year, as there’s less community immunity and many people’s vaccinations are now out of date.
Public Health has also launched a new dashboard so the public can track rates of respiratory infections this winter. It will be updated on Tuesdays and it can be accessed through the health unit’s main website.