1st case of flu since April 2020 reported by Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
'The flu never left us,' says medical officer Dr. Nicola Mercer
For the first time since April 2020, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health says it has a lab-confirmed case of the flu.
The case is in someone who recently travelled, public health said. Dr. Nicola Mercer, CEO of public health and the medical officer of health, warned people should expect to see more cases this fall and into the winter.
"The pandemic caused a significant decline in reported flu cases, but the flu never left us," Mercer said in a news release.
"As we continue to fight the pandemic locally, we don't want to overwhelm the health system with patients ill with the flu so it's more important than ever to get your flu shot to reduce your risk of serious illness and protect the vulnerable people in your life."
Last winter, the cold and flu season was a mild, largely because people stayed home amid closures and lockdowns.
COVID vaccine doesn't protect against flu
Pharmacists, including Patty Vamvakitis at Pharmasave Carriage Crossing in Waterloo, have said that with larger, indoor gatherings happening now, the spread of the flu is inevitable.
The COVID-19 vaccine provides no immunity to the influenza virus, and the flu should not be underestimated, Vamvakitis told CBC Kitchener-Waterloo last month.
"The flu and pneumonia are still one of the top 10 reasons for hospitalizations and deaths in Canada, even before COVID," Vamvakitis said.
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health says a limited number of flu shots will be available at public health clinics starting Oct. 18. People can also sign up to go on the wait list for the flu shot at local pharmacies.
WATCH | There are growing concerns seasonal influenza will make a comeback this year as COVID-19 restrictions ease across the country.
