Influenza confirmed in Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ service area

The season’s first confirmed case of influenza virus has been reported within Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ service area. Similar to last year, this local activity indicates an early start to our influenza season. Area residents are reminded to protect themselves and others from respiratory infections by implementing simple and effective protective practices.

“As we enter the respiratory season, getting your flu shot is a simple and effective way to protect yourself, loved ones, co-workers, and the community,” said Christina Baier, a manager in Public Health’s Health Protection Division. “It is available at many locations throughout the community, including local pharmacies and health care providers. Check with your local pharmacy or health care provider about COVID-19 and influenza vaccine availability as it is safe to receive both at the same time.”

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause fever, cough, muscle aches, and fatigue. Most people will recover from influenza infection within a week to 10 days, but some are at greater risk of developing more severe complications such as pneumonia. Children can also have mild stomach upset due to influenza. The most common symptoms usually include fever, runny nose, and cough.

With some common symptoms to other respiratory illnesses, it can be difficult to know what virus you have.

Regardless of the cause of the infection, the same protective measures still apply to help prevent spreading influenza and other viruses:

• Stay home (self-isolate) until you have no fever and your symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you had nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea).
• Wear a well-fitted mask if you must leave home for a critical reason (such as to seek testing or medical care).
• Take the Ministry of Health COVID-19 self-assessment to learn more about testing and treatment (if eligible).
• After you are done self-isolating, for 10 days after your symptoms started, wear a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in all public settings to protect against the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses circulating in the community, in addition to following any other precautions recommended in your online self-assessment.

The following precautions are encouraged at all times to protect yourself and others from infection:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly for at least 15 seconds.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and discard used tissues immediately in the garbage and wash your hands.
• Wear a mask in crowded indoor public settings, especially if you are at higher risk of severe outcomes from infection.

Public Health provides information about local activity levels of respiratory illness, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Public Health also reports data for active outbreaks in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts. This information is specific to hospitals, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, and congregate living settings.

For more information on the influenza virus or COVID-19 and influenza vaccination opportunities, please visit us online at phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).