Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is urging residents to take steps to protect themselves and others from respiratory illnesses as gatherings and travel increase.
The reminder comes as influenza (“flu”) activity remains elevated across the GEPH region, with flu test positivity rates closely mirroring provincial levels, indicating continued widespread circulation in the community.
Influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are contagious respiratory illnesses that can cause more serious health outcomes than the common cold. These viruses pose a higher risk to young children, pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions.
To protect yourself and your family during the holiday season, GEPH recommends:
- Staying up to date with vaccinations for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV (if eligible).
- Staying home when you are sick and keeping children home if they are unwell.
- Wearing a well-fitting mask if you have symptoms or are around others who may be ill.
- Washing hands frequently and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve.
- Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces at home and in the workplace.
When planning holiday gatherings, residents are encouraged to consider hosting events in well-ventilated spaces, keeping gatherings smaller when possible, and asking guests to stay home if they are feeling unwell. These steps can help reduce the risk of spreading respiratory illness while still allowing people to enjoy time together.
Vaccination remains safe, effective, and the best defence against influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. Even when the influenza vaccine does not perfectly match circulating strains in each season, it still strengthens protection, can prevent serious illness and hospitalization, and is still strongly recommended.
Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same appointment, making it easier to stay protected. For information on RSV eligibility, residents should contact their health care provider.
Pharmacies offering flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be found at Ontario.ca/vaccine-locations.
More information on RSV eligibility is available at Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
Residents can stay informed about local respiratory virus activity by visiting GEPH’s Seasonal Respiratory Surveillance Dashboard for the 2025–26 season.
Additional vaccine information is available at Ontario.ca/page/vaccines.
Quote:
“With influenza activity remaining high in our community, it’s especially important for residents to take steps to protect themselves and others as they gather and travel during the holidays. Staying up to date with vaccinations, staying home when sick, and taking extra precautions at gatherings can help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses and protect those most vulnerable to severe illness.”
Dr. Jason Malenfant, Medical Officer of Health
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Grand Erie Public Health
As one of Ontario’s public health units, we are determined defenders of community health. Our focus on prevention, protection, and promotion contributes to healthier outcomes across Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk. We are committed to being a trusted and authentic source of public health information, guided by the Health Protection and Promotion Act and the Ontario Public Health Standards.