Lambton Public Health (LPH) is reminding residents to protect themselves from the flu and other viruses this holiday season.
Lambton Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Dr. Karalyn Dueck said in the fall, Lambton Public Health updated its website to include a new Seasonal Infectious Diseases Bulletin.
In a recent update to Lambton County Council, Dr. Dueck said they're tracking the virus, as well as influenza and RSV.
"And so when we take a look at the COVID-19 trend so far this year, it mirrors what happened last year in 2022 where we did see a peak just before January and then the numbers levelled off and we saw another increase in the rates later on in the winter," said Dueck.
On average, the health unit is reporting two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 a day. So far this season, Lambton Public Health said there've been two related deaths.
"I'm aware that the COVID-19 rates have been elevated as they have been last year similarly," said Dr. Dueck. "In terms of the flu rates, Public Health Ontario (PHO) I do believe has them as a lower to moderate rate at this point."
Dr. Dueck reminds residents to do their part to reduce the risk of spreading illness.
"Number one, hygiene measures, washing your hands, coughing into your sleeve, sneezing into your sleeve and protecting yourself through vaccines that are available for your eligibility, she said. "And staying home when you're sick, trying not to transmit viruses to others."
One senior's facility, Vision Rest Home, is dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19. A rhinovirus outbreak has been declared at Watford Quality Care.