Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) has received laboratory confirmation of the first local case of influenza A for the 2025-2026 season.
Seasonal influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious viral respiratory illness that
affects the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu vaccine (flu shot) is the most effective way to
prevent influenza infection and severe illness.
Flu shots are available for anyone aged 6 months or older at RCDHU clinics across Renfrew
County and District, at participating pharmacies, or from your primary care provider.
To see the full RCDHU clinic schedule and to book your flu shot, visit www.rcdhu.com or call us at 613-732-9436 or 1-833-773-0004.
Editor’s Note: The Current regularly lists Valley immunization clinics in its Classified/Notices section. The next immunization clinic to be held in Barry’s Bay will take place on Nov.13 from 11:50am-1:30pm at St. Francis Memorial Hospital – Wellness Room BY APPOINTMENT ONLY – Call RCDHU’s Immunization line at 613-732-9436.
RCDHU(2025,Nov.7) First local influenza case of the 2025/2026 season [media release]
Other winter-health-related stuff:- many people in this region also suffer in winter from so-called “cabin fever” which actually seems to become quite bad in January and February and suddenly relents with the spring thaw in March. I used to think it was purely psychological and a form of “SAD” (seasonal affective disorder) but with some research online I realized it was really low-level progressive carbon-monoxide poisoning caused by very small amounts of CO blowing back from old furnaces and fireplaces. CO is very toxic stuff and even amounts well below a lethal concentration can make you feel quite ill over an extended time. It has symptoms somewhat similar to flu with constant lethargy, etc. I finally had my old oil-furnace replaced with a new sealed propane furnace with no CO blowing black into the house and it definitely feels much better. It’s also much quieter, the old oil furnbace sounded like a truck rumbling in the cellar. Just curious about other people’s experiences and observations about “cabin fever”.