News

The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit (HNHU) is reporting its first case of influenza for the season. The confirmed case was received October 11, 2022.

The HNHU would like to remind residents that the flu shot is the best protection against getting the influenza virus, commonly known as the flu. Anyone can get the flu, but it is particularly dangerous for the elderly, children, and for those with compromised immune systems.

Symptoms include cough, fever, body aches and extreme exhaustion. This can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. As the flu virus changes frequently, members of the community are encouraged to get vaccinated once per year.

The flu spreads from an infected person through coughing or sneezing. The virus can live on hard surfaces for several hours and can be spread from surfaces such as toys and doorknobs that an infected person has touched recently.

The flu vaccine will be available at doctors’ offices and participating pharmacies in the coming weeks. Once available, those details will be shared on the HNHU Facebook and Twitter pages.

In addition to the flu shot, other ways to reduce the risk of contracting the virus include covering coughs and sneezes and keeping hands clean can help prevent the spread. Those who are ill should stay home from work and school.

For more information about the influenza virus and the flu shot, visit hnhu.org.