What's Happening in London, ON…

An early winter flu epidemic has struck some parts of Ontario, including the London area, leading many concerned people to flock to clinics for a last minute flu shot.

Still in time for flu shots, the recent early arrival of the flu may spark a secondary ad campaign to remind patients that clinic doors are still open.

The Public Health Agency of Canada reported 3,864 lab-confirmed flu cases over December 30th and January 5th, a significant increase from 2011’s figure of 1,879.

So far, the level of flu activity this year is reported to be the equivalent of the entire 2011-2012 flu season, meaning the influenza bug has hit the area harder and faster. Repercussions have even included restricting and reducing hospital sections to avoid further contamination in some areas of the country.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also reported that this year’s flu shot is a good match to the virus, meaning that people who have not yet been afflicted can still get the shot. Numbers of flu shot recipients have also declined as well, lulling people into a false sense of security about the severity and frequency of the flu.

The newest reports may soon prompt a secondary wave of public health printed advertising as public health workers encourage their patients to get the influenza shot. Poster printing in doctor’s offices, hospitals, trains and public places in London areas can help alert local residents of the flu epidemic this season and urge patients to act, also dispelling some common influenza myths in the process.