If you think there are more people coming down with the flu or another kind of respiratory virus this year, you would be right.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Program Manager Bill Sherlock says the number of emergency room visits for the flu is above the five year average.
Sherlock says influenza A is the predominant virus circulating currently but there are also cases of influenza B and norovirus in the Quinte region.
He says the flu peaks normally around Christmas time and this year it peaked earlier this month.
The first reported case of the flu this year came in late November.
Sherlock said they are hoping to see a downturn in the number of reported cases soon but they are dealing with an outbreak of influenza A at Crown Ridge and Hastings Manor, influenza B at Hallowell House, and an entero outbreak at H.J. McFarland. There have also been a number of student absences from schools in the Bancroft areas.
He couldn’t give a reason why the numbers are higher this year, but said they will know in the coming months how effective the flu vaccine was this year but there are a lot of variables.
The Health Unit reminds people to cover their cough, wash their hands frequently and stay home if they are feeling unwell.
