Southeast Public Health is urging all residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses, as laboratory confirmation of the first cases of Influenza A have been reported for the 2025/26 respiratory season.
The SEPH have reported those flu cases in both the Hastings Prince Edward and the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington areas.
Influenza causes mild to severe illness and can lead to serious health complications, even in healthy children and adults.
The influenza vaccine is available free of charge to everyone six months of age and older who lives, works or goes to school in Ontario. Residents are encouraged to get up to date on their influenza vaccination as soon as they are eligible. The flu shot reduces the risk of severe illness, and helps protect individuals and local health-care resources.
Flu vaccines are available for eligible individuals through health-care providers and participating pharmacies. For individuals under 5 years of age who are unable to receive flu vaccine through their health-care provider, SEPH is offering clinics, including one in the Hastings-Prince Edward region.
In addition to immunization, individuals should practice hand hygiene, coughing and sneezing into their elbow, and regular disinfection of high-touch surfaces to help prevent transmission.
Symptomatic individuals should stay home when they feel unwell. Influenza symptoms include:
fever (greater than 38⁰C/100.4⁰F)
cough or chills
headache or muscle aches
loss of appetite
nausea or vomiting (mainly exhibited in young children)
sore throat
runny nose
Individuals with influenza may remain infectious for several days after symptom onset. When recovering from any respiratory illness, consider wearing a mask when around others, and avoid visiting anyone who is immunocompromised or living in a high-risk setting (e.g., long-term care home) for 10 days from symptom onset.
(BROCK ORMOND)
