A weekly roundup of flu cases in the area shows the number is continuing to rise. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit reports it had 77 new confirmed cases of the flu between January 21st and the 27th, up from 60 cases the week before.
In total, there have been 405 lab-confirmed flu cases as of January 30th.
The health unit declared widespread influenza in early January, which is based on emergency room visits, lab-confirmed flu cases, institutional outbreaks and doctor reports of fever and flu-like illness. Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare is taking steps to lower the risk of flu exposure, like ramping up screenings at local hospitals.
The health unit has a list of tips on its website to help you avoid the flu. The number one tip is to get the flu shot, followed by washing your hands frequently, and cough or sneeze into your arm. If you do get sick, stay home and avoid contact with infants, seniors, pregnant women and those with chronic health problems.