THUNDER BAY -- Laboratory tests have confirmed Influenza A as the source of a respiratory outbreak at Thunder Bay's St. Joseph's Hospital.
The outbreak on 3 North was initially declared on Sunday.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit also declared a facility-wide outbreak of a respiratory illness at Lakehead Manor on Vickers Street on the weekend.
In both locations, admissions, transfers, discharges and social activities have been cancelled until further notice.
The number of flu cases this season is expected to continue to rise across the province over the next few weeks.
Public Health Ontario has described the season as unusual, as people are falling ill both to a virus that causes a strain of Influenza A and a virus that causes Influenza B. Influenza B activity typically doesn't show up until later into the New Year.
The Public Health Agency of Canada had reported 34 flu-related deaths by the end of December.
Health officials advise that elderly patients and those with underlying heart and lung conditions seek immediate medical help if they develop flu-like symptoms. Patients may be treated with an antiviral medication to reduce the risk of serious and potentially fatal complications.
