Health unit confirms flu case

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The first case of seasonal influenza has been confirmed by the Sudbury and District Health Unit. File photo.

The first case of seasonal influenza has been confirmed by the Sudbury and District Health Unit. File photo.

Feb 02, 2012- 11:42 AM

By: Sudbury Northern Life Staff

The Sudbury and District Health Unit has confirmed the first case of seasonal influenza virus, type B, in the City of Greater Sudbury.

Although year-to-date influenza activity across the province for the 2011-2012 season has been lower than in previous years, the number of confirmed cases is beginning to increase across the province, the health unit stated in a press release.

The health unit is encouraging all residents to protect themselves and others from the influenza virus by getting the flu shot.

Influenza, or the flu, is a very contagious infection of the respiratory tract. The flu virus causes the rapid onset of high fever, headache, sore throat, cough, and muscle aches and pains.

Everyone is at risk of getting the flu.

“Immunization is very effective at preventing illness and controlling the spread of influenza in the community,” Lisa Schell, manager of Clinical Services with the SDHU, said in the press release.

Other measures, such as frequent and thorough handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick with symptoms of fever and cough, can also help reduce the spread of infection to others.

Some people who get the flu are at higher risk of experiencing serious complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections.

“Those at highest risk of these complications are the elderly, healthy children aged six to 23 months, pregnant women, and people of all ages with chronic medical conditions. It is very important for people in these higher risk groups to get the flu shot,” Schell said.

This season, the health unit has administered more than 9,400 influenza vaccinations and have distributed close to 61,000 doses of the vaccine to local health-care providers.

Influenza vaccination is still available by appointment or on a drop-in basis at all health unit offices for anyone wishing to get their free flu shot.

Flu shots are also still available through health-care providers in the community.


To find out more information about the flu shot or to book an appointment, call the Sudbury and District Health Unit at 705-522-9200.

Posted by Arron Pickard  

Read More: Home > Sudbury News
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6 Comments

  • Bear_1 2/3/2012 1:21:09 AM - Report Abuse

    There are no known cures for the common flu but there are many natural flu remedies that are highly effective at easing flu symptoms and reducing the duration of the illness. Here’s five.

    Echinacea: Scientific research has shown that the herb can keep immune systems healthy and strong, protecting it from common pathogens like the influenza virus.
    Elderberry has been used for centuries as a tonic for colds, flu and sinus infections.

    A powerful anti-inflammatory, ginger has also been widely used for generations to help treat the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches and painful menstrual periods.

    The warming nature of the root helps to produce sweating and thus helps to release pathogens. Ginger also helps to strengthen the immunity of weaker individuals who sweat without the relief of symptoms.

    Andrographis: Traditionally used to treat upper respiratory infections and sinusitis, andrographis was shown in a recent study to reduce the symptoms of coughs, sore throats, headache and fever.

    The herb boneset is an immune stimulant that has a long history of being used effectively in cases of influenza and fever.

    Despite what medical professionals tell you, vaccines will not give you immunity from the flu virus.

  • Corruption Killer 2/2/2012 9:28:27 PM - Report Abuse

    I know people, inlcuding myself who never get
    shots and they aren't sick. Personally, I think
    the most important thing to protect your self
    with is to wear gloves in winter when going
    shopping. Just imagine how many grubby hands
    have touched store items and doors before you.

    Food buffets and their common serving
    utensils are especially nasty in winter.

  • Harry 2/2/2012 7:14:38 PM - Report Abuse

    Mucker ... I guess we're reading that first sentence two different ways. It should read "has confirmed a case". It is NOT necessarily the first ever case.

    No need to be nasty.

  • Bear_1 2/2/2012 4:29:31 PM - Report Abuse

    So someone has the flu, so what? A properly fueled immune system can defeat all forms of flu without the nonsense of vaccines.

    These vaccines are nothing more than a con-job perpetrated by Big Pharma to cash-in on fear created by them. They have successfully conned medical professionals first which makes the rest of us easy targets unless we do the research required to expose their fraud.

    Eat healthy food not phude, get some light exercise every day, drink lots of non-fluoridated water and sleep well. If a flu virus comes your way you will be able to defeat it.

    Stay away from high fructose corn syrup, refined sugar, and aspartame. In other words avoid junk phude and soda pop … all processed foods. Eat natural and eat raw whenever possible.

  • The Real Mucker 2/2/2012 3:09:43 PM - Report Abuse

    Harry,
    That's why it is called "confirmed". Don't make supid comments.

  • Harry 2/2/2012 1:56:50 PM - Report Abuse

    Please tell all of us how you identify the very "first" case of the flu as per the article, in Sudbury? What about people who had it previously and didn't report it?
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