First confirmed influenza cases in Algoma

Thu, Nov 03, 2022

Algoma Public Health (APH) is reporting the first two confirmed cases of influenza A this respiratory season in the Sault Ste. Marie area.  For the past two years, the circulation of influenza has remained low due to COVID measures.  However, as restrictions ease, a return to higher numbers of influenza cases can be expected.

Influenza spreads easily from person to person through coughing and sneezing, and by direct contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus. People who get influenza may have a fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue. Children can also experience earaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

APH recommends staying home if you get sick to avoid passing the flu to others. Most people will feel better after a few days of getting some rest and drinking plenty of fluids. However, if your symptoms become worse, you should contact your primary care provider. As COVID-19 and influenza infections have similar symptoms, APH recommends individuals who are eligible for COVID-19 testing and treatment to get tested.

To protect yourself and to prevent the spread of influenza in your community, APH suggests following public health measures, such as washing your hands, coughing and sneezing into your sleeve or a tissue, getting vaccinated, keeping commonly touched surfaces clean, wearing a face covering and respecting others space and choices, and staying home if you become ill.

“Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family from influenza, to avoid losing time from work or school, and to avoid spreading the virus to others,” said Dr. Tuinema, Acting Medical Officer of Health from Algoma Public Health.

People at risk of getting severely ill from influenza and people in close contact with them should consider themselves a priority for influenza immunization. Getting immunized helps to lower the risk of severe disease and decreases the risk of transmitting the infection to those in the community who are at higher risk for complications, such as the elderly or young children. The flu vaccine is available for anyone six months of age and older at many physicians’ offices, participating pharmacies, and public health community clinics. 

Learn more about the flu and find a clinic near you.

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Photo: Dr. Tuinema gets his flu shot.  

Photo byline: (left to right) Dr. Tuinema gets his flu shot from public health nurse Lydia Murray