News Release                            For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                     January 21, 2009

Influenza Arrives in Grey Bruce

Test results received Monday, January 19, 2009, confirm Influenza B in a Grey-Bruce resident. Area health care practitioners have been alerted and are performing appropriate testing on individuals experiencing influenza symptoms. Last year, our area had its first confirmed case of influenza or “flu” on December 24.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and others! It can prevent you from getting the “flu”, or lessen the severity of symptoms of the flu. The flu shot is up to 90% effective in preventing the flu in healthy adults, depending on the circulating influenza strains. It is not too late to get a flu shot; it does take about 2 weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective. The free vaccine is available through your health care provider or at Grey Bruce Health Unit. For further information call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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Attachments: Backgrounder – Influenza information fact sheet 

For more information:

Amanda McManaman

Public Health Nurse

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456, ext. 1293