Brantford, Ont. – The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has received its first confirmed influenza case of the season.
There were 422 lab confirmed influenza cases in Brantford-Brant in 2022.
In Canada, seasonal flu activity typically begins as early as October and can continue as late as May.
The symptoms of influenza include:
Influenza can cause more severe illness than the common cold. The infectious period for influenza can last two to five days after the onset of symptoms (up to seven days in young children).
The flu vaccine offers protection from several common strains of the flu virus and is the most effective way of avoiding the flu. Free flu shots are made available for individuals six months-of-age and older who live, work, or go to school in Ontario. Flu vaccine will be available to all eligible Ontarians at the end of October.
Vaccine effectiveness data from the southern hemisphere demonstrated that the 2023 seasonal influenza vaccine reduced the risk for influenza-associated hospitalizations by 52 per cent.
“The flu shot is a quick, simple and safe way to protect yourself, loved ones, coworkers and the community,” said Dr. Rebecca Comley, Acting Medical Officer of Health at BCHU. “The flu can be very serious for infants, older adults and those with chronic diseases. These groups are at much higher risk for serious complications.”
More information about the flu and the influenza vaccine can be found on the BCHU website.
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