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Influenza cases are on the rise in the Ottawa Valley, according to the Renfrew County District Health Unit.
According to a press release from the RCDHU, flu activity is on the rise locally. It also claims the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, located in Ottawa, is seeing a “concerning rise” in flu cases and hospitalizations.
“A new version of the H3N2 influenza A virus is the main flu strain circulating this year,” the release reads. “International experience, along with early provincial and regional data, suggests this strain can lead to more infections and more pressure on hospitals than in a typical year.”
This strain is slightly different from the one included in the flu vaccine, but staffers with the RCDHU say vaccination will still help prevent severe illness and hospitalizations.
Residents can book vaccinations for influenza, RSV and COVID-19 using the health unit’s online booking system or by calling 613-732-9436. All three are also available through some healthcare providers, while COVID-19 and flu vaccines can be accessed via some pharmacies.
“With flu activity rising quickly and a new H3N2 strain leading to higher levels of flu illness and hospitalizations, it is especially important to get your flu vaccine as soon as possible,” says Dr. Jason Morgenstern, Medical Officer of Health at RCDHU.
“The flu vaccine takes about two weeks to provide full protection, so now is the time to act before holiday gatherings.”
Beyond vaccinating, residents are encouraged to stay home when sick, wear masks in crowded indoor spaces, cover coughs and sneezes, clean frequently touched surfaces, and wash their hands regularly.
(Written by Steve Berard)