Flu exercise elevated throughout Grand Erie Public Health area as vacation season approaches

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Grand Erie Public Health is urging residents to take steps to guard themselves and others from respiratory sicknesses as gatherings and journey enhance over the vacations. 

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The reminder comes as influenza exercise stays elevated throughout the area, with flu check positivity charges carefully mirroring provincial ranges, indicating continued widespread circulation in the neighborhood. 

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“With influenza exercise remaining excessive in our neighborhood, it’s particularly essential for residents to take steps to guard themselves and others as they collect and journey in the course of the holidays,” stated Dr. Jason Malenfant, medical officer of well being. “Staying updated with vaccinations, staying residence when sick, and taking additional precautions at gatherings will help cut back the unfold of respiratory viruses and defend these most susceptible to extreme sickness.” 

Influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are contagious respiratory sicknesses that may trigger extra severe well being outcomes than the frequent chilly.  

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These viruses pose the next danger to younger youngsters, pregnant people, older adults, and people with underlying well being situations. 

There are present outbreaks at these places: 

• Seasons Retirement Community in Brantford; Influenza A; six instances. 

• Hardy Terrace Long-Term Care in Brantford; Influenza A; 18 instances. 

• West Haldimand General Hospital in Hagersville; Influenza A; 5 instances. 

• St. Joseph’s Lifecare Long-Term Care in Brantford; Metapneumovirus; seven instances. 

• Caressant Care Long-Term Care Home in Courtland; Rhinovirus, Enterovirus, Influenza A; 4 instances. 

• Norfolk Lodge Long-term Care Home in Simcoe; Influenza A; 4 instances. 

• Oakwood Commons Community in Brantford; unknown respiratory sickness; 5 instances. 

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• Norview Lodge Long-term Care Home in Simcoe; Influenza A; three instances. 

To defend your self and your loved ones in the course of the vacation season, the well being unit recommends: 

• Staying updated with vaccinations for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV (if eligible). 

• Staying residence if you find yourself sick and retaining youngsters residence if they’re unwell. 

• Wearing a well-fitting masks you probably have signs or are round others who could also be unwell. 

• Washing fingers continuously and avoiding touching your eyes, nostril, or mouth. 

• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve. 

• Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces at residence and within the office. 

When planning vacation gatherings, residents are inspired to think about internet hosting occasions in well-ventilated areas, retaining gatherings smaller when potential, and asking visitors to remain residence if they’re feeling unwell.  

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These steps will help cut back the chance of spreading respiratory sickness whereas nonetheless permitting folks to take pleasure in time collectively, stated a information launch from the well being unit. 

“Vaccination stays secure, efficient, and the most effective defence in opposition to influenza, COVID-19, and RSV,” stated the launch. “Even when the influenza vaccine doesn’t completely match circulating strains in every season, it nonetheless strengthens safety, can forestall severe sickness and hospitalization, and remains to be strongly really helpful.” 

Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines may be given on the identical appointment, making it simpler to remain protected. For info on RSV eligibility, residents ought to contact their well being care supplier. 

Pharmacies providing flu and COVID-19 vaccines may be discovered at Ontario.ca/vaccine-locations

More info on RSV eligibility is on the market at Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) 

Residents can keep knowledgeable about native respiratory virus exercise by visiting GEPH’s Seasonal Respiratory Surveillance Dashboard for the 2025–26 season. 

Additional vaccine info is on the market at Ontario.ca/web page/vaccines 

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