Local health officials are gearing up for flu season. Community vaccination clinics have been scheduled and will begin on Tuesday, November 1 through Lambton Public Health.
Health Protection Supervisor Crystal Palleschi advises residents to get their flu shot early, and said you can book an appointment starting Monday.
She said it's anticipated to be a busier flu season compared to last year with the lifting of mandatory pandemic related restrictions and masking.
"Yes we're expecting to see more flu cases than we have the past few years and given the trends currently and the numbers, I think we will be seeing more coming up this season," said Palleschi. "Flu season typically runs from late fall to early spring, so in Ontario we're actually starting to see some cases and they're increasing weekly, so flu season has started in Ontario."
Infants, seniors and individuals with a chronic health condition are considered to be at most risk from the flu.
Palleschi said to prevent the spread of the viruses wash hands with soap frequently, keep ill family members home from school or work and clean regularly touched surfaces like door handles and computer keyboards often.
The flu shot is also available at dozens of pharmacies across Sarnia-Lambton, and through most family physicians.
Flu clinic schedules are posted online at www.lambtonhealth.on.ca.
According to Health Canada, the flu is responsible for about 12,200 hospitalizations every year and 3,500 deaths.
