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KFL&A Public Health has received laboratory confirmation of the first case of influenza A for the 2024-2025 season. The risk of influenza transmission follows the pattern of disease activity in the community, which is currently low. Influenza activity typically increases over the fall months and peaks towards the holiday season.
The southern hemisphere, particularly Australia, had a moderately high influenza season, with more cases this year than last year. Rates were highest in 5- to 9-year-olds, followed by 0- to 4-year-olds. This means that the northern hemisphere could potentially experience similar case rates this respiratory season.
“I strongly recommended that all residents in the KFL&A region, regardless of age or health status, prioritize getting their flu shot this fall. Influenza can result in severe outcomes and pose serious health risks to anyone, especially to those who have underlying medical conditions, those over 65 years of age, and young children,” said Dr. Piotr Oglaza, medical officer of health for KFL&A Public Health.
Influenza vaccine is currently available for those who are at highest risk at participating pharmacies, through primary care, and public health clinics for individuals under the age of 5 without access to primary care. The general public will be eligible for influenza vaccine on Oct. 28.
Alongside immunization, individuals should practice hand hygiene, coughing and sneezing into their elbow, and regular disinfection of high-touch surfaces to help prevent transmission.
Symptomatic individuals should stay home when they feel unwell. Influenza symptoms include:
- fever (greater than 38⁰C/100.4⁰F)
- cough or chills
- headache or muscle aches
- loss of appetite
- nausea or vomiting (mainly exhibited in young children)
- sore throat
- runny nose
Individuals with influenza may remain infectious for several days after symptom onset. When recovering from any respiratory illness, consider wearing a mask when around others, and avoid visiting anyone immunocompromised or living in a high-risk setting (e.g., long-term care home) for 10 days from symptom onset.
This fall the KFL&A region will have several options to get a flu shot. Flu shots will be available through:
- Health-care providers (for patients aged six months and older).
- Local pharmacies (for patients aged two years and older).
- KFL&A Public Health clinics (for residents with children under two years of age and those over 65 years).
For more information on respiratory illness prevention please visit kflaph.ca/RespiratoryInfections.
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For more information contact:
communications@kflaph.ca
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