VitalikRadko / Depositphotos.com
Southwestern Public Health reported Monday that the influenza overall risk is very high at this time.
The latest activity dashboard is reporting a 33.9 per cent positivity in the health unit’s coverage area. This is higher than the previous two flu seasons.
Influenza A (H3N2) is the dominant strain, and historically, elevated positivity rates have continued well into February and March.
“Influenza A can cause severe illness in young children, older adults, individuals who are pregnant, and people who are immunocompromised,” says Dr. Ninh Tran, Medical Officer of Health,
“It’s not too late to get the flu shot, especially as children are now back in the classroom.”
Southwestern Public Health has flu vaccines available for children who are five years of age or younger, and their guardians.
To book an appointment, visit http://swpublichealth.ca/booking.
