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Southwestern Public Health has relaunched its seasonal Respiratory Virus Dashboard, giving residents an updated look at local influenza, COVID-19, and RSV activity as the region heads into respiratory virus season.
The online dashboard provides information on trends across the region, helping residents stay informed and make decisions to protect themselves and their families through the fall and winter.
The dashboard is part of the health unit’s ongoing surveillance of respiratory illnesses and comes as SWPH encourages residents to get vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible.
SWPH is offering flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics at its offices in St. Thomas and Woodstock, along with select community locations.
Adults aged 65 and older, pregnant individuals, residents and staff of congregate living settings, health-care workers and other priority groups can book appointments through the health unit starting October 19. Appointments open to the general public on October 26.
Appointments can be booked at swpublichealth.ca/booking or by calling 1-800-922-0096. Flu vaccines are also available through participating pharmacies and health-care providers, while COVID-19 vaccines are available through pharmacies.
Residents are also encouraged to stay home when sick, wash their hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, and consider wearing a mask in health-care settings or if they are at higher risk of severe illness.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
