The Middlesex-London Health Unit has seen 14 more cases of the flu, including six hospitalizations. The report, which monitored flu activity from February 7 to 18, also saw one person with the flu die.
However, Tristan Squire-Smith, the infectious disease control team manager, says that “this is a person who had lab confirmed influenza who died. What they are not saying is whether or not they have died from the flu.”
He says that the flu can be serious, especially if there are any other health problems involved. “What it does is it extrapolates those underlying conditions, particularly of the heart and lungs,” Squire-Smith explains, “That’s why we make such a big deal about promoting the flu shot and staying healthy and whatnot.”
Squire-Smith says that it’s never too late to get your flu shot, adding the health unit even sees flu cases pop up in June. He says that washing your hands frequently, coughing or sneezing in your elbow and avoid preparing food for other people if you are feeling sick also prevent the spread of flu.
