First confirmed influenza death in Windsor and Essex County

By Millar Hill

Flu season is upon us and the local health unit is already reporting its first flu-related fatality of 2018.

“The province is in the midst of a very challenging flu season,” says Dr. Wajid Ahmed, acting medical officer of health for the Windsor Essex County Health Unit. He says the number of outbreaks in long-term homes and seniors facilities remain significantly higher for this time of year compared to previous seasons.

There were six deaths attributed to the flu last year in Windsor-Essex County.

The Health Unit is encouraging people to get the flu vaccine to lower the risk of getting sick.

By receiving the vaccine yearly, you are reducing the likelihood of becoming infected.  You are less likely to spread the disease to family, friends and into your community.

The flu, is a common virus that can cause infection in the nose, throat, lungs and can be spread easily. Symptoms start one to three days after being exposed to the virus. Any individual can spread the virus before they start to experience any of the symptoms themselves.

Preventing getting or spreading the flu:

• Everyone over 6 months of age should get vaccinated every year
• Wash hands regularly
• Keep hands away from your face
• Keep common surfaces disinfected
• If you are sick, stay home

The vaccine is free to people who work, live or study in Ontario. There are plenty of ways a person can get vaccinated, including at any primary health care provider as well as at one of 90 local pharmacies that offer the vaccine as well.