Health Unit

By Stew Kernan

Another reason locally why it’s important to get your flu shut.

The Sudbury and District Health Unit has confirmed that lab tests came back positive for the first Influenza A case in the area.

The Health Unit’s manager of Clinical Services, Shannon Dowdall-Smith says the flu shot is important for everyone, however, it is highly recommended for the elderly and those at risk of serious complications from infection as well as for people who live with or care for high-risk individuals.

So far in Ontario there have 119 cases of the flu, 97 type A and 22 type B.

The flu shot contains protection against both strains.

Dowdall-Smith says while it may take up to two weeks after being vaccinated to develop ideal protection against influenza, it is not too late to get your flu shot.

It’s free and readily available at doctors offices, local pharmacies and by appointment at the Health Unit.