Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is reminding residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory diseases as it reports its first two cases of Influenza A for the 2024-25 respiratory season.
The health unit says Influenza can cause mild to severe illness and can lead to serious health complications, even in healthy children and adults.
The influenza vaccine is available to the general population this fall.
It will be available free of charge at participating local pharmacies and health care providers, to anyone in Ontario over the age of six months.
Residents can also follow the other layers of defence against respiratory illnesses provided by the health unit:
- Get your flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccination when available and recommended. Both the flu and the COVID-19 vaccinations will be available later this fall, and residents should obtain their vaccination as soon as possible once it is available.
- Consider wearing a tight-fitting well-constructed mask in indoor public settings, especially if you are at higher risk of severe infection.
- If you are sick, stay home if possible. As you recover, wear a mask for 10 days from symptom onset when in public settings.
- Wash your hands often and clean high touch surfaces regularly.
- Cover your mouth with your arm or elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Know if you’re eligible for, and how to access, COVID-19 treatments.
