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SWPH Reports Post-Holiday Rise of Flu Cases

Tuesday, 13 January 2026 05:55

By Marcie Culbert X @marcieculbert

Southwestern Public Health says the current positivity rate is higher than the past two flu seasons.

SWPH - Now that the holiday season is over, Southwestern Public Health is seeing a rise in the number of flu cases in Oxford, Elgin, Middlesex and St. Thomas.

It's reporting a 33.9 percent positivity rate, which is higher than the past two flu seasons. Officials say Influenza A (H3N2) appears to be the dominant strain and it has had elevated positivity rates well into February and March in the past. Influenza A can also cause severe illness in young children, older adults, pregnant mothers, and those who are immunocompromised.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ninh Tran, is encouraging everyone to get the flu shot if they haven't already.

"It's not too late to get the flu show, especially as children are now back in the classroom."

It's also important cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands, and stay home if you're not feeling well. If you have to go out while you're feeling unwell, make sure you wear a mask while in crowded or enclosed spaces.

Dr. Tran adds flu prevention doesn't end there.

"It's a combination of these efforts that makes a difference. You can also protect your loved ones and those susceptible to influenza by knowing the signs and symptoms of influenza like fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, muscle or body aches, weakness and fatigue."

You should seek medical attention if your symptoms continue to get worse or if you show signs of dehydration, have difficulty breathing, or have a fever that's high and persistent.

Officials say Influenza could lead to serious complications. This includes worsening chronic health conditions, heart complications, pneumonia, respiratory failure, hospitalization and possibly even death.

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