Toronto public health officials say seven people have died of the flu this season, including more than half from the H1N1 strain that triggered panic and vaccine shortages in 2009.
For Sept. 1, 2013-Jan. 4, four have died of H1N1, another died of the flu and two others are suspected of dying from the flu, Toronto Public Health said Wednesday.
About half of the 323 lab-confirmed flu cases this season are of the H1N1 strain, and 35 per cent of the 112 new cases recorded in the week of Dec. 29, 2013-Jan. 4 were H1N1.
With the H1N1 strain making a resurgence, particularly in Alberta, health officials urged people to get a flu shot. This season’s flu vaccine contains a strain to protect against H1N1.
A recent Harris-Decima poll found about 41 per cent of Canadians said they got a flu shot last year and 44 per cent have either had a shot already or intend to get one this season.
Torontonians can book an appointment online or just show up at the Toronto Public Health’s flu clinics.
Click here for a schedule.
Have your gotten your flu shot? Share your thoughts in the comments.
See Toronto Public Health’s weekly influenza bulletin below.
G_HLHCDSUBulletinsTPH Flu News -Jan 07 2014 by CityNewsToronto
