A deadly outbreak of a respiratory illness at a Toronto seniors' home is a grim but timely reminder that Ontario residents should get their free flu shot this year, Health Minister George Smitherman said Wednesday. 

The mysterious illness at the Seven Oaks Home for the Aged has killed 10 people and affected more than 80 others, but Smitherman said he's confident the outbreak is contained and under control. 

Even though the cause of the outbreak is unknown, Smitherman said it highlights the need for people to take necessary precautions to stay healthy. 

"It really does help to remind people that as relates to the flu, it's serious, and accordingly we really need to encourage people to take advantage of those free flu vaccines," he said, noting that not all provinces offer free flu shots to residents as Ontario does. 

People should also remember that a simple act like proper handwashing can also prevent the spread of illnesses, Smitherman said. 

The minister said there's no evidence to suggest the outbreak has spread beyond the Seven Oaks home, but he noted that respiratory illnesses are common among vulnerable groups of people like seniors. 

"These are not circumstances that are new," he said. "We're struggling with circumstances like this always in the institutional environment." 

"But I do feel that lessons have been learned from SARS have been well-applied here." 

The outbreak is being carefully monitored by public health officials, Smitherman said. 

"Of course we're monitoring it vigorously," he said. "I'm very confident that the steps that have been taken are the appropriate ones."