Flu activity on the rise in region

WATERLOO REGION — Flu activity has picked up in Waterloo Region, but likely hasn’t peaked yet.

“It looks like we’re still on the incline,” said Kristy Wright, manager of infectious disease for Region of Waterloo Public Health.

“It always increases over the holiday season, people congregating together and sharing lovely bugs.”

So far, it’s looking like this flu season will be similar to the last few.

The region’s first flu cases were reported in early November, with two of the three confirmed cases being acquired locally.

“We’re busy, but nothing overwhelming at this point,” Wright said.

There have been hospitalizations in the region, but no deaths.

Most cases have been influenza A.

There has been early activity of strain B, which usually comes later in the season.

There have been 17 out-

breaks in long-term care and retirement homes in the region. Five were flu related and the rest other respiratory viruses such as the common cold.

Wright said there’s no evidence to suggest this flu season is more severe or that there’s a mismatch between the flu shot and the prevailing strains.

And she urges people who have not been immunized that there’s still time to get a free flu shot.

They’re still available at pharmacies and from healthcare providers, and it’s not too late even though we’re in the midst of the flu season.

“Some protection is better than none,” Wright said.

While this season is fairly routine, that can change any time.

Public health officials get their best look at the flu season after it’s over, Wright said.

“Anything can change. Influenza is quite unpredictable.”