Health officials are seeing fewer people getting the flu going into the Christmas holiday.
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit provided an update of this season's influenza cases following Thursday afternoon's monthly board meeting.
Dr. Wajid Ahmed, acting medical officer of health for the WECHU, says the flu season is progressing slower than expected.
"Our total number stands at eight," says Ahmed. "Out of that, we have had six cases of influenza-A and two cases of influenza-B."
The main difference between the two types of influenza is that outbreaks of type B tend to occur less frequently than type A, though both have the capability to cause serious illness.
According to the health unit's latest weekly flu bulletin which ended last Friday, only one case of type B flu was reported during the week. A chart provided on the health unit's website shows that the percentage of emergency room visits in Windsor-Essex due to the flu is lower than the same week in 2016.
Ahmed says Windsor-Essex's flu figures are lower than the current Ontario average as well, but it's important to understand that the peak of flu season is still to come.
"The numbers are low compared to what everyone else is seeing across the province, so we just want to keep a close eye on it," says Ahmed. "We just don't want to be too casual here."
Specific figures concerning flu outbreaks in nursing homes were not available, but the health unit website shows general health-related outbreaks have been reported in four facilities across Windsor-Essex.
While flu cases are lower than anticipated, the health unit says it's still necessary to keep your guard up. The risk of getting the flu is reduced by frequent handwashing, particularly before meals and after using the washroom. Avoiding contact with ill people, getting a flu shot and covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing also help control the spread.
The health unit also says if you're sick, stay home.
Complete information on influenza can be found on the health unit's website.
