News

Local health units remind you to protect yourself and others from respiratory illnesses this season

Kingston - This time of year is well known for holiday parties and gatherings to celebrate the season. These gatherings are important to foster a sense of belonging, improve our mental health and bring our community closer. Respiratory viruses can spread easily when people gather (especially over holidays and in winter months). Respiratory illnesses can have a significant impact on overall well-being. We urge individuals and communities to consider ways to reduce the spread of respiratory...

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Local Boards of Health give support to investigate a merger with neighbouring public health agencies

Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) Board of Health, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District (LGLD) Board of Health, and the Hastings Prince Edward (HPE) Board of Health endorsed investigating the feasibility of a potential merger between these local public health agencies (LPHAs).

This consideration has been brought forward in response to the Ontario Ministry of Health’s announcement in August 2023 to strengthen the public health sector. This announcement also included one-time...

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KFL&A Public Health and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit urges influenza vaccination

As influenza has been detected in the region, KFL&A Public Health and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit strongly advises getting vaccinated against the flu, with a particular emphasis on individuals under the age of five.

The flu is more than just cold-like symptoms. It can cause absences at school, work, and other gatherings. Children five years of age and under are under-recognized as a group with greater risk of sever outcomes, and it is important for parents to get their kids...

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22nd Annual Jingle Bell Run, Walk or Wheel

Kingston – More than 16,000 students and staff from 53 schools in Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) will take part in the 22nd annual Jingle Bell Run, Walk or Wheel. Students will be donating a non-perishable food in exchange for a jingle bell and participating in a 1 km festive fit break where they will walk, run, wheel or skip around their school or community “with bells on”. This is a partnership between KFL&A Public Health, local school boards, and local food banks to help...

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Alarming increase in tooth decay among school-aged children in the KFL&A region

Kingston – Recent data shows a concerning increase in tooth decay among school-aged children. KFL&A Public Health’s school dental screening results from last year show that 40 per cent of children in senior kindergarten have experienced tooth decay. This is an increase of 60 per cent since 2019.

“Local dentists are seeing first-hand the dramatic increase in severe tooth decay among children and youth,” said Dr. Jennifer Archibald, pediatric dentist in Kingston. “Untreated tooth decay can...

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November is Radon Action Month

During Radon Action Month, KFL&A Public Health is encouraging all residents to test their homes for radon.

Breathing in high levels of radon for many years can lead to lung cancer. In Canada, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. The best time to test your home for radon is during the winter months when windows and doors remain closed. Radon testing is simple and inexpensive.

“With winter coming, people are spending more time indoors, increasing risk of exposure to radon....

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Flu vaccines and the new updated COVID-19 vaccines are available for eligible residents

As the winter season approaches, KFL&A Public Health emphasizes the significant importance of getting a flu and new COVID-19 vaccine, to protect yourself and loved ones. High-risk individuals are eligible now.

The flu vaccine will maximize protection against the influenza virus, which is known to cause severe illness and result in hospitalization or even death among previously healthy children, older adults, or pregnant individuals. It is also important to stay up to date with your COVID-19...

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KFL&A Public Health to offer curbside pick-up services for free GetaKit HIV self-test kits

KINGSTON – KFL&A Public Health is pleased to announce its collaboration with GetaKit to offer curbside pick-up, for free HIV self-test kits for residents over 16 living in the KFL&A region. GetaKit curbside pick-up is a great option that provides low-barrier and private HIV testing which can be completed in the comfort of your home. GetaKit and KFL&A Public Health will continue to provide the convenience of kit delivery directly to your home or a location of your choice. 

Locations for curbside...

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First lab confirmed cases of influenza A identified in the KFL&A region

KFL&A Public Health has received laboratory confirmation of the first case of influenza A for the 2023-2024 season. The risk of influenza transmission follows the pattern of disease activity in the community, which is currently low. Influenza activity typically increases over the fall months and peaks towards the holiday season.

"Influenza vaccine is anticipated to arrive in October, with initial availability for those at high risk. The sooner a person gets immunized against influenza, the...

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Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus found in KFL&A

Recent surveillance efforts conducted by KFL&A Public Health has found the presence of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus (WNV) in the Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox and Addington region. Additionally, Public Health Ontario confirmed that a crow from the KFL&A region tested positive for WNV. These findings come as a result of ongoing mosquito collection and testing initiatives carried out by KFL&A Public Health, and with the support of the public and Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative...

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