Hamilton and Niagara seeing a rise in flu cases as pandemic restrictions relaxed

Flu cases are on the rise in Hamilton and Niagara, and public health says it is likely a byproduct of reduced pandemic restrictions.

Hamilton Public Health Services (HPHS) says it has seen five cases of influenza since April 1 — the first confirmed cases since March 30, 2020.

"While the cases of flu in Hamilton and across Ontario remains low, HPHS is encouraging all individuals who have not already received their flu shot to get vaccinated against influenza, as soon as possible," public health said in a press release this week.

Niagara public health says it has seen an uptick in flu cases.

"This increase in flu is likely due to the elimination of measures to prevent COVID-19, as those measures were also suppressing flu," it said in a Thursday media release.

Influenza affects breathing and lasts longer than a cold. It can cause fever, coughing, a runny or stuff nose, and body and muscle pains.

On average, 1,400 Ontarians die each year of influenza, says Niagara public health.

The most vulnerable groups are people over 65, people with underlying medical conditions, young kids, pregnant women and Indigenous people.

Niagara public health says because it can be hard to tell the difference between flu symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms, anyone feeling sick should self-isolate.

The best ways to avoid infection are as follows:

Niagara public health says people can get their shots at pharmacies or primary care providers.

Hamilton health officials say the same, and also have a website to help people find flu shot locations.