WATERLOO REGION — The flu is being blamed as a contributing factor in the death of a fifth person in the region.
On Wednesday, public health officials
confirmed the death of an elderly resident with underlying health
conditions as well as influenza. Three other elderly residents — all
with underlying health problems — and a previously healthy child have
also died as the region experiences flu rates higher than the provincial
average this season.
A total of 154 influenza cases have been confirmed.
“I anticipate we have probably
reached levels of activity that we would consider the peak at this
time,” said associate medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang.
However, it’s still too early to tell
what’s around the corner. “Often the most predictable thing about the
flu is that it’s not entirely predictable.”
Five deaths are within the range of a typical flu season, she said. This year’s season began early in the region.
It’s not too late to get a flu shot,
and tests suggest the vaccine is a good match this year. Vaccination
rates remain low, however.
It’s available at no charge through family doctors, urgent care clinics and some workplaces and pharmacies.
Two remaining community flu shot
clinics run from 2 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 3 at the public health building
(room 508), 99 Regina St. S., Waterloo, and on Jan. 10 at the public
health building (boardroom), 150 Main St., Cambridge.
For more information, call 519-883-2324 or go to www.regionofwaterloo.ca/seasonalinfluenza.
http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/856908--fifth-death-attributed-to-flu-in-region
No comments:
Post a Comment