As influenza activity continues to climb across Ontario, Grey Bruce Public Health is urging residents to take steps to protect themselves and those around them as the holiday season approaches. Health officials say the coming weeks typically bring an increase in respiratory illnesses as people gather indoors for celebrations and family visits.
Public health officials note that flu cases are expected to reach their highest levels in late December or early January. Seasonal gatherings, particularly those held indoors, create conditions that allow viruses such as influenza and COVID-19 to spread more easily, especially among individuals who are more vulnerable to serious illness.
“The festive season is typically a time when people attend larger indoor events and celebrations and visit with loved ones, including more vulnerable family members. Unfortunately, these types of settings make it easier for respiratory viruses, such as the flu and COVID-19, to spread,” said GBPH Physician Consultant Dr Brittany Graham. “Getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 is an effective defence against these viruses and helps to reduce the risk of developing severe illness, hospitalization, and potentially serious complications, especially for people who are at high-risk.”
Respiratory illness season generally begins in the fall and extends through the winter months. The most common viruses circulating during this time include influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. While COVID-19 and RSV activity remain relatively low across Ontario, flu activity has been steadily rising since October, with Influenza A test positivity now considered high. Health officials expect flu and RSV levels to continue increasing in the weeks ahead, while COVID-19 activity is projected to remain stable.
In Grey-Bruce, public health is also monitoring eight active outbreaks in long-term care and retirement homes, with most associated with respiratory viruses. Officials say this highlights the importance of preventive measures, particularly when visiting older adults or people with underlying health conditions.
This season’s influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are available through primary care providers and participating pharmacies, and both vaccines are publicly funded. They can also be administered during the same appointment. Public health recommends that everyone six months of age and older receive an updated flu vaccine each fall, noting that it takes approximately two weeks for full protection to develop.
The COVID-19 vaccine is also available to individuals six months and older and is particularly recommended for those at higher risk of severe outcomes, including adults aged 65 and older, residents of long-term care and other congregate living settings, and people with underlying medical conditions.
A publicly funded RSV vaccine is available for seniors aged 75 and older, as well as certain high-risk adults between the ages of 60 and 74 who meet provincial eligibility criteria. Eligible individuals are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider about receiving the vaccine. Protection against RSV may also be available for infants, high-risk children, and pregnant people.
In addition to vaccination, Grey Bruce Public Health continues to emphasize everyday actions that help limit the spread of respiratory viruses, such as staying home when sick, practicing good hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and improving indoor air circulation.
Residents who are unable to receive influenza, COVID-19, or RSV vaccines through a primary care provider or local pharmacy can contact Grey Bruce Public Health for assistance by calling 519-376-9420 and selecting Option 2 to reach the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Team.
