The flu season makes a comeback in Waterloo Region

It's that time of the year again — the dreaded flu season is here.

People all over Waterloo Region become a lot more prone to contracting the influenza virus at this time of the year.

Stephanie DeWitte-Orr, Associate Professor from the Department of Health Sciences at Wilfrid Laurier University, says there are a couple things parents can do to help keep their little ones from getting the flu.

“Make sure you was hands, clean toys regularly. You can also get them a flu mist, which is a vaccine that is not a needle, you can just spray it in their nose. So you can get a non-needle flu vaccine.”

She says the symptoms of being infected with the influenza virus are very obvious.

“It knocks you off your feet. You get a fever, headache, chills, joint aches. You still get a runny nose and a cough, but it really is an intense sickness.”

She says if you are experiencing any of the influenza symptoms, you must go to the doctor immediately.

“It's important for public health to know that there is an influenza infection. The doctor can monitor you to make sure you can control the infection yourself. There are antiviral drugs available but if you're healthy, you're probably not going to get an antiviral drug. You're just going to be sick and lose time off of work.”

DeWitte-Orr is hosting a free public talk at Wilfrid Laurier University today.

The talk will be held in Bricker Academic Building (BA) Room 201, from 6-7:30 p.m.

DeWitte-Orr is encouraging high school and university students to attend.

The flu arrived in Waterloo Region in late October.