Peel Region has experienced a significant rise in flu cases over the past week, causing concern among local health officials.
Peel Public Health reports that from Dec. 7 to Dec. 13, laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza jumped by 729, which is more than double the total number reported since early September.
They are worried this number will continue to climb in the coming weeks.
“Peel Public Health is actively monitoring this increase and is especially concerned with the growing number of cases among children. Currently, children 0 to 4 years account for 27 per cent of all lab-confirmed influenza cases in Peel,” according to information by the health department. “Additionally, Peel hospital visits and admissions due to influenza-like illness are increasing. This trend is a reminder that the flu is not just a mild illness, but can cause serious complications, even in healthy individuals.
An overall rise in respiratory illnesses driven by the flu has also resulted in more emergency department visits, putting pressure on the system. Data shows that 8.6 per cent of all emergency department visits from Dec. 7 to Dec. 13 were related to influenza-like illnesses.
“This trend is a reminder that the flu is not just a mild illness, but can cause serious complications, even in healthy individuals,” Peel Public Health says.
Severe effects of flu include complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, dehydration and worsening of chronic conditions. Serious cases can lead to hospitalization, organ failure, sepsis and death.
According to Public Health Ontario, influenza spreads from person-to-person through coughing, sneezing or face-to-face contact. It can result in mild to severe respiratory disease. While anyone can catch influenza, young children, seniors and those with certain medical conditions are at higher risk for complications.
Health officials agree that getting vaccinated each year is the best way to prevent infection.
“We strongly recommend all individuals 6 months and older get vaccinated as soon as possible against the flu. It can take up to two weeks for the influenza vaccine to provide full protection,” says Peel Public Health.
Most health care providers and pharmacies offer free flu shots.
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Severe effects of flu include complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, dehydration and worsening of chronic conditions. Serious cases can lead to hospitalization, organ failure, sepsis and death.
According to Public Health Ontario, influenza spreads from person-to-person through coughing, sneezing or face-to-face contact. It can result in mild to severe respiratory disease. While anyone can catch influenza, young children, seniors and those with certain medical conditions are at higher risk for complications.
Health officials agree that getting vaccinated each year is the best way to prevent infection.
“We strongly recommend all individuals 6 months and older get vaccinated as soon as possible against the flu. It can take up to two weeks for the influenza vaccine to provide full protection,” says Peel Public Health.
Most health care providers and pharmacies offer free flu shots.
Last 30 Days: 66,064 Votes
All Time: 1,140,044 Votes
218 VOTES
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