Lab work has confirmed that cases of Influenza A have spread in areas just outside of London.
On Thursday, Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) said two cases of Influenza A have been confirmed in young children in Oxford County. These cases are the first lab-confirmed infections of the 2022-23 flu season.
"These confirmed cases are an indication that influenza is circulating within our community. Surrounding health units are also experiencing sporadic activity," read a release from SWPH.
Influenza is a contagious virus that affects the nose, throat and lungs. Some cases are more severe than others. According to SWPH, the flu causes about 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths in Canada every year.
Dr. Ninh Tran, the health unit's medical officer of health, said the best way to protect yourself from the flu is by maintaining good hygiene and considering getting a flu shot.
"The influenza vaccine has arrived in Ontario and is widely available. Now is the time to protect yourself and your community from this respiratory virus by adding a flu shot to your regular habits of hand washing, staying home when unwell, and covering your coughs and sneezes," said Tran.
Anyone five years old and up is eligible for both a flu shot and a COVID-19 booster shot at the same time. SWPH has vaccine clinics set up on Buller Street in Woodstock, or Talbot Street in St. Thomas.
Common symptoms include fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, muscle or body aches, weakness, and fatigue.
Since the 2022-23 flu season started, the province has confirmed 357 cases through lab testing. More information about how flu is circulating across the province can be found on Public Health Ontario's website.