Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Sept. 23, 2024
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is urging all residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses, as laboratory confirmation of the first two cases of Influenza A have been reported for the 2024/25 respiratory season. Influenza causes mild to severe illness and can lead to serious health complications, even in healthy children and adults.
The influenza vaccine will be available to the general population later this fall. The vaccine will be available free of charge at participating local pharmacies and health care providers, to anyone in Ontario over the age of six months. Residents are encouraged to get up to date on their influenza vaccination as soon as they are eligible. The flu shot reduces the risk of severe illness, and helps protect you, those around you, and our health care resources.
While the flu shot is your best defence against serious symptoms from the illness, additional layers of defence can help prevent the spread of all respiratory illness.
- Get your flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccination when available and recommended. Both the flu and the COVID-19 vaccinations will be available later this fall, and residents should obtain their vaccination as soon as possible once it is available.
- Consider wearing a tight-fitting well-constructed mask in indoor public settings, especially if you are at higher risk of severe infection.
- If you are sick, stay home if possible. As you recover, wear a mask for 10 days from symptom onset when in public settings.
- Wash your hands often and clean high touch surfaces regularly.
- Cover your mouth with your arm or elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Know if you’re eligible for and how to access COVID-19 treatments.
For more information, visit hpePublicHealth.ca/respiratory-illness or check out our factsheet.
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Media contacts
Communications Team
communications@hpeph.ca
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
hyland.maureen@hpeph.ca
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
etubbs@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
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