Flu season has officially arrived in Waterloo region with 2 lab-confirmed cases

The flu has officially arrived in Waterloo region.

Public health reported on Wednesday there have been two lab-confirmed cases of influenza this fall and medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang says the cases "signal the start of the flu season."

"It is expected that influenza will circulate at elevated levels this fall and winter, alongside COVID-19," Wang said in a media release from public health. She encouraged people to get their flu shot and COVID-19 vaccines.

Flu shots are expected to be available through pharmacies and primary care providers early next month, public health said.

Both Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall say on their websites that while the pharmacies waitfor flu shots to be released by the province, people can sign up to get an alert when appointments become available. Pharmasave asks people to check back in the coming weeks.

The symptoms of the flu are similar to COVID-19. They include:

• Fever.
• Chills.
• Cough.
• Sore throat.
• Stuffy/runny nose.
• Headache.
• Muscle/joint aches.

Public Health Ontario says the flu is spread from person-to-person through coughs, sneezes and face-to-fact contact. The most recent respiratory virus overview for Sept. 11 to Sept. 17, Public Health Ontario reports seasonal activity of the flu "has not yet begun" and there were 13 lab confirmed cases of the flu during that week.

Region of Waterloo Public Health says anyone experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness should stay home until the fever is gone and symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours, or 48 hours if people experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

For 10 days after symptoms begin, public health recommends people wear a well-fitted mask in public spaces and avoid visiting people who are in hospitals, retirement or long-term care homes or people at higher risk of illness.