Huron Perth Public Health is echoing sentiments from Ontario’s top doctor that residents need to mask up as respiratory illnesses surge.
The Health Unit says there’s been an earlier start to the influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) season this year, and they’ve received several reports of flu in children under the age of five, noting its not typical to see this number of lab-confirmed cases of influenza in children that young.
On Monday, chief medical officer Dr. Kieran Moore urged residents to mask up in indoor settings, but there’s no movement on the province ordering another mask mandate.
“I strongly recommend that Huron Perth residents mask in all indoor public settings, including schools and in childcare settings,” said Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health in a release. “Wearing a mask in indoor public settings is a simple way to reduce the spread of illness, to protect our community members young and old and to protect our healthcare system. I also encourage everyone to get their flu shot and stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations.”
The Health Unit is offering the flu shot at their COVID-19 clinics until Dec. 1, noting they are not offering influenza vaccines on their own at these clinics. There are clinics in Clinton, Stratford, Goderich, Exeter and more this week.
To find a clinic near you, visit www.hpph.ca.
