Flu season has arrived early in Ontario and it’s been particularly hard on Waterloo Region.  

This area has the highest number of influenza cases in the entire province.

Waterloo Region’s Public Health Department confirms at least 70 cases.  

Province-wide there have been 264 confirmed cases.  

In other words, over a quarter of the confirmed cases in Ontario have been in Waterloo Region.  

Public Health also reports there have been 26 reported respiratory outbreaks in hospitals, long term care and retirement homes – 12 of those linked to influenza A.   

The flu has also been deadly as it has claimed four lives in the region. Three involved elderly adults with underlying health issues while fourth involved a previously healthy unimmunized child under the age of 10.  

Unimmunized is a recurring theme.  

Public Health reports attendance at flu clinics held this year was down significantly from last year – down 38%.

It does say this is a province-wide trend.  

Two additional clinics will be held in 2013 and you can also get vaccinated at your doctor’s office and at a number of pharmacies.