The Windsor-Essex region has its first confirmed case of influenza of the season.
The Windsor Essex County Health Unit reported a resident at a long-term care home has tested positive for Influenza A. The health unit has declared an influenza outbreak at the facility and it is currently implementing all required precautions.
Last influenza season, there were a total of 179 lab-confirmed cases. Of those, 126 were influenza A and 53 were influenza B. The first case was not reported until December 9, 2019.
Influenza is a virus that causes an infection of the nose throat and lungs. It is easily spread through the air when a person talks, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can live on surfaces for several hours.
Symptoms of the flu are very similar to COVID-19 and include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, headaches and muscle pain. Anyone with symptoms should be tested at a local assessment centre for COVID-19.
The health unit is reminding everyone who is able to get a flu shot this year. It is available at local pharmacies and through some primary health care providers.
The health unit has now reported this case to be a false positive.
