Health officials are urging Londoners to take precautions as a particularly harsh flu season continues, claiming five lives in just one week.
According to the Middlesex London Health Unit, between January 21 to 27 two strains of influenza led 29 people to be hospitalized and caused five deaths due to complications. Influenza outbreaks were also declared at five institutions during the week.
Since September 1 of last year, there have been 19 flu-related deaths, 144 laboratory-confirmed influenza A cases, and 286 cases of influenza B in London and Middlesex County. Hospitals, long-term care homes, and retirement homes in the area have seen a combined 39 outbreaks declared from the two different strains.
The widespread flu activity has health officials asking area residents to get the flu shot, wash their hands more often, and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on a regular basis. Anyone feeling sick is also advised to stay home and cover their mouth when coughing and sneezing.
Other areas across the country and in the United States have been experiencing a similarly bad flu season.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that influenza activity this year is as widespread as during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic year, in which more than 12,000 people died from flu-related complications.
Anyone who needs to get the flu vaccine can find a free flu shot clinic in their area by clicking here.