Health officials sound alarm after five flu deaths reported in London

Health officials are sounding the alarm in London, Ont. after receiving reports of fiveflu related deathsand the hospitalization of29 others.

The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) confirmed the news on Wednesday in an updated influenza surveillance report that looked at numbers from Jan 21 to 27. Five new flu outbreaks were also declared within that week.

The manager of infectious disease control for MLHU, Mary LouAlbanesetoldCBCNews that there are no records available on whether the5 people who diedwere vaccinated.

• Flu kills four people in London so far and it's spreading

"We are seeing high numbers comparable to other years, but we're not done with the flu in the community," warned Albanese.

Since September of last year, there have been 19 deaths and 214 hospitalizationsin theMiddlesex-Londonregion. There have been a total of 430 confirmed flu cases.

The health unit's statistics show that strains of influenza A and Bhave arrived at the same time. Influenza B is also reported to be appearing in a "higher than expected" numberof cases.

• Flu season could be more severe because of 2 strains vaccine doesn't cover

Albanese said the health unit is recommending Londoners get vaccinated, especially those working in hospitals and long-term care homes. Officials are recommending a vaccine that covers more strains of the virus.

People who have been vaccinated are also being cautioned.

"Make sure that you're staying at home if you're feeling sick and covering your mouth with your sleeve if you're coughing or sneezing don't prepare meals for others and clean and disinfect," said Albanese.