Health care leaders in the region are coming together to urge the public to stay up to date on COVID vaccinations and get your flu shot to protect the local health care system.
The Northwestern Health Unit says influenza is a risk in all communities right now.
Ontario’s chief medical officer of health says he’ll be considering whether to make a stronger recommendation on masking in about two weeks after looking closely at data on flu cases province-wide.
Dr. Kieran Moore says the dominant flu strain this season is a bad one and cases are going up.
Right now Dr. Moore says he strongly recommends masks indoors for people who are older or with an underlying condition, but he has not yet issued a recommendation or requirement for the general public to wear them.
Local health officials are also recommending wearing a mask in indoor spaces, frequent hand washing and staying home when feeling unwell.
The statement comes from the health unit and CEO’s of hospitals in Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake, Fort Frances, Atikokan and Kenora.
It reads, “Preventing hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and influenza increases the likelihood there will be capacity to treat patients for other illnesses locally. Catching up on surgical waitlists is a priority for many local hospitals, and progress can be slowed when forced to shift time and resources to treat COVID-19 and influenza patients. As hospitals in our area face staffing and bed shortages, it is important that residents take steps to minimize the need for hospital visits due to vaccine preventable disease.”
Symptoms of influenza usually include fever, chills and shakes, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, cough, extreme fatigue and sometimes include nasal or sinus congestion. Some people also experience vomiting and diarrhea, especially children.
To book a flu or COVID shot appointment visit Northwestern Health Unit Booking Information Page
