The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Flu season `very quiet', says Halton's top doc es (two) that aren't the flu. Last year in Halton Nosal said there were a lot of flu cases in NoSo far this flu season there's been vember and December, but traditiona lot less fever, chills and coughing in ally most of the cases occur after the Halton thanks to a dramatic drop in holiday season. So why has the flu season been so the number of flu cases. "It's been a very quiet season up un- mild so far? "I don't have a reason that I can til this point in regard to influenza," said Halton Regional Medical Officer pinpoint," said Nosal. He said some say it's due to the of Health Dr. Robert Nosal. Nosal said most years in Halton mild winter so far, which he said was a possibility. there are 200 lab-confirmed "I don't know why it's cases of influenza A or B less," he said. during flu season (NovemBut Nosal stressed the ber through April) and in picture can change. fact there could be thou"The flu can occur right sands of actual cases beup until March or April. cause most people don't go The season is by no means to their doctors when they over," he said. have the flu-- a respiratory Halton Region Health illness that spreads rapidly Department has held 33 from person to person. flu immunization clinics But, so far this flu seathis season and immunized DR. ROBERT son, there have only been 13,800 people against the three lab-confirmed cases in NOSAL flu. Halton. Those cases were in The Region's last reguOakville and Burlington-- larly scheduled flu immutwo were young children; the other nization clinic will be held today an elderly person. "In other years, by this point, we (Thursday) from 4-8 p.m. in the audiwould have a lot more than three," torium at the Halton Regional Centre in Oakville. said Nosal. Nosal said with the potential for The trend in Halton is also the case flu cases still to come this season it's province-wide said Nosal. So far there have been only 57 lab- not too late to get a flu shot. "It's important to remember that confirmed influenza cases in Ontario. Nosal said normally that number in Canada, flu season typically runs would be in the hundreds, or even into March or April. This means it's still possible to get sick with the flu thousands. Other markers of flu activity Halton in early spring," said Nosal. "We Region Health Department monitors have seen some influenza activity in is the absenteeism rate in schools, the community this year and getting emergency room visits and outbreaks the flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and to prevent spreading the in long-term care facilities. virus to others." "All the data fits," said Nosal. In addition to getting the flu shot He said to date there have been no influenza outbreaks in long-term care it's important to wash your hands facilities. However, there are current- frequently with warm, soapy water, ly five outbreaks in those types of fa- cough and sneeze into your arm, not cilities of enteric (norovirus) illnesses your hand, and stay at home when (three facilites) and respiratory virus- you're sick. By LISA TALLYN Staff Writer 3 The IFP · Halton Hills, Thursday, January 19, 2012 EVENT CA$H...FOR YOUR CLUNKER! (MINIMUM $2,000*) RARE EL MOD $20,976 +HST $20,734 +HST EXL Coupe, only 28,000km! Leather, Roof, Loaded StkP3109 RARE EL MOD 2008 Accord MUST SEE! At this price will not last! StkP3114 2008 Ridgeline LX 4WD 7 's to M! -V RO CR SE F OO CH $18,995 +HST $19,975 Auto, Air, PW, PL, Cruise. Only 48,000km! StkP3133 +HST In orange, Pwr Sunroof, Loaded A MUST SEE! StkP3148 2009 Civic Si Coupe 2009 CR-V LX 10 s to OM! ic Civ SE FR O O CH $15,895 $8,995 +HST +HST V6, Coupe, Leather Roof Loaded StkP3076 2004 Accord 2010 Civic DXG Auto, Air, CD, PW, PL, Cruise Only 15,836km! StkP3141 A Guaranteed minimum combination of trade +discount *(on used vehicle purchase) georgetownhonda.ca 31 Guelph Street, Georgetown 905-873-1818 905-874-3021 HONDA 316 OVER 25 USED VEHICLES TO CHOOSE FROM! e-mail: hassellsauto@bellnet.ca www.hassellautomotive.com Warranty Warranty Warranty Warranty Warranty 2002 Saturn SL1 2007 Hyundai Elantra · 5 Speed/4 Cylinder · Heated Seats · Winter Package 2005 Nissan Altima · 4 Cylinder · Automatic · Low Kms · Loaded $8,500 + HST $9,900 + HST · A/C · Great Condition · Automatic $5,500 2003 Nissan Altima · V6 · Low Kms · Heated Leather Seats · Loaded + HST $9,900 2008 Mazda 3 · Cruise Control · CD Player · Sunroof + HST $10,500 + HST CALL