The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) has reported the first laboratory-confirmed case of influenza in the City of Kawartha Lakes this season.
In response, the Health Unit is encouraging residents to get vaccinated to help prevent flu-related complications and protect vulnerable groups, including seniors, young children, and pregnant individuals.
“The flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves and the community,” said Marianne Rock, Manager of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control at the HKPR District Health Unit. Vaccinations are available free of charge to all Ontarians over six months old and can be obtained at local pharmacies or through healthcare providers.
To further reduce the risk of flu transmission, the Health Unit advises residents to follow preventive steps, including staying home when sick, frequent handwashing, and masking when recovering but still symptomatic.
The HKPR District Health Unit has also launched an Infectious Diseases Data Dashboard, offering residents access to local data on infectious disease cases and outbreaks.
Additionally, Canada’s FluWatch program provides weekly national flu updates, allowing residents to stay informed throughout the flu season.
For more information on flu shots, respiratory illness prevention, and to access the Infectious Diseases Dashboard, visit hkpr.on.ca.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
