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4Iealth department reports F""" tlu cases are on the decline Hî ThA Canidian Chnmninn Tuinfdui .Inniurv 0 2004-2 By JASON MISNER The Champion To the relief of Halton's health department, the number of influenza A cases in the region is finally on the decline. As of Friday, there were 27 lab- confirmed flu cases so far for the month of January. For all of December, the Region had 155 confinmed cases of the flu. To date this winter season, there have been 204 flu cases in Halton compared to 23 this time last year. "It would indicate that we have peaked with the incidents of the ill- ness and it is on the decline," said Mary Anne Carson, manager of Halton's communicable disease program. "We're feeling very posi- tive about that. But surveillance and monitoring still needs to be aggressive. The work is still there." Regional health staff have been swamped with monitoring the influenza virus that bas been responsible for nine deaths so far in Haiton - one child and the rest sen- iors. The last three or four flu seasons have been considered mild, but the flu arrived earlier this season and has been accompanied by a viru- lent strain. The public can still do its part to help control the spread of the flu by getting a flu shot. The last of Halton's scheduled free public flu clinics is today from 3 to 7 p.m. at Halton's headquarters on Bronte Road. The public appears to be listen- ing. Combining flu shots given by the Region, physicians and hospi- tals, about 165,000 vaccines have been doled out this season, up from 128,700 administered last year. "I think it's excellent," Ms Carson said. "We are hoping that the number of vaccines will help reduce the impact of the disease in the community." The flu was so rampant earlier this month that regional public health officials considered adding more free flu clinics or extending them into early next month. Ms Carson said that's not being con- sidered now, but added the flu situ- ation will be closely watched to see what extra measures might need to be taken. The Region would have to dis- cuss adding more clincs with the Province since the govemment is footing the bill for the flu shots. If more clincs are needed, vac- cine supply shouldn't be a prob- lem. The Ministry of Helath and Only 27 cases so far in January compared to 155 in December Hurry in for Best Selection ONLY 13 Vehicles remaining Don't Miss Out on This Amazing Offer! 15 HOURS ONLY! THIS FRIDAY & SATURDAY GIANT INDOOR USED CAR SALE! SEE FRIDAY'S PAPER FOR MORE DETAILS! ON'T MISS IT! JAN. 23RD & 24TH Long-term Care has in its disposal 410,500 vaccines as of yesterday, said spokesperson John Letherby. He said the flu shot is still being recommended because the flu sea- son typically wraps up around the end of March, so infection is still possible. "If you haven't had it yet, by all means go get it." Ontario-wide, there have been 4,326 confirmed flu cases as of yesterday, compared to a total of 913 cases last season. Flu fears have been heightened by a new and potentially-deadly flu strain called A Fujian, which is causing additional cases. It has cre- ated extra attention for the public to get a flu shot. Each year the flu vaccine is altered to take into account what strains are likely to circulate. But the A Fujian developed later and wasn't included in the current vac- cine, which is designed to guard against three strains, including A Panama. Health officials have said there are similarities between A Panama and A Fujian, and the vaccine offers some cross protection. Despite the high number of reported flu cases, Health Canada has said this season's flu isn't unusually severe. Jason Misner can be reached at jmisner@miltoncanadianchampi- on.com. Fresh Bread H Ba and Duns [ Fre Bread a 3uns aked daity 7 ýdays7 a Ys week! -.,À