The Chief Public Health Office is reminding Islanders to take precautions to reduce the spread of influenza.
“Prince Edward Island continues to experience a typical flu season with fewer lab confirmed cases and hospitalizations than in the last couple of years,” said Dr. Heather Morrison, Chief Public Health Officer. “However, what is different this year is that it is impacting a younger segment of the population, age 20-64, and the strain that is currently circulating on PEI is pH1N1. This is consistent with what other provinces and territories have experienced.”
There has been significant uptake of flu vaccine this season. Although the flu shot is the best defence against the impact of influenza, it can take two weeks to build immunity after receiving the shot. Islanders are encouraged to follow the other necessary measures to prevent and control the spread of flu, including regular hand washing, coughing or sneezing into one’s sleeve, avoiding contact with those who are at high risk of developing complications from influenza, and staying home when sick.
There have been 39 lab confirmed cases of influenza in Prince Edward Island which is consistent with previous years. Lab confirmed cases are only an indication that the flu is circulating widely across PEI.
Typical symptoms of influenza include the sudden onset of fever and cough, headache, aches and pains, and sore throat. Islanders who are ill with influenza symptoms should stay home from work, school or daycare to avoid spreading the flu to others.
Cases of H1N1 have been seen during flu season each year since 2009, and the H1N1 strain has been included in the vaccine since that time. Islanders are strongly encouraged to get a flu shot annually to help prevent and control the spread of the infection.
To book your flu shot with Health PEI’s Public Health Nursing, please call 1-855-354-4358 (4FLU). The vaccination is free at the public clinics for seniors age 65 and over, children aged 6 - 59 months, pregnant women, and household contacts of pregnant women.
For more information on influenza visit www.gov.pe.ca/flu.