The Middlesex-London Health Unit is reporting two deaths among confirmed flu cases over the last week, the first deaths in the area.
In addition to the two deaths there were another 36 lab-confirmed cases of influenza A reported between January 6 and January 12. Nearly 58 per cent of cases had to be hospitalized.
Since reporting for this season began September 1, 2013, there have been a total of 115 lab-confirmed innfluenza A cases and one case of influenza B.
All of the 24 influenza A cases tested since September were of the H1N1 strain.
H1N1 was also identified in two of four outbreaks at long-term care homes in the area since the fall.
So far, more than 60 per cent of the cases have been in adults ages 20 to 64, but the health unit says children under five and seniors ages 65 and over remain over-represented.
In 97 of the flu cases where the patient's immunization status is known, over 80 per cent had not received this year's flu vaccine.
The health unit continues to strongly recommend that people get their flu shot.
Vaccinations are available at the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s walk-in Immunization Clinic at 50 King Street in London on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Clinics also take place at the Kenwick Mall in Strathroy from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month; the next scheduled Health Unit immunization clinic in Strathroy will take place February 4.
Influenza vaccinations are also available at some health care providers’ offices and participating pharmacies. Click here to find a free flu shot clinic near you.
