Lambton Public Health (LPH) is reminding residents to take steps to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.
The health unit recommends that you stay home if you are sick, practice good hand hygiene, and cover any coughs or sneezes.
LPH Program Supervisor for Health Protection Amy Pavletic said anyone who is sick and must be out in public should consider wearing a mask.
"If you do have to be around other people that you are taking precautions to distance yourself," Pavletic said.
The number of influenza cases has remained steady from last years respiratory season to this year.
Pavletic said as for COVID-19 cases, it started slower at the beginning of the respiratory season but it is starting to change.
"There has been an increase in per cent positivity in the county in subsequent weeks, so we are seeing more cases now than we did at the beginning of the respiratory season," she said.
Pavletic said over the holiday season, they tend to see more illnesses.
"Influenza will be easily spread from one person to another. We can take precautions of course but it is often something that one person will spread from one to another," she said.
Flu shots are still available for anyone that wants one.
"We would definitely recommend that if anybody hasn't had their flu shot you can get it at anytime and that will protect you from any further illness," Pavletic said.
Additionally, the Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team have provided tips for when you are sick during the holidays.
It recommends to call your primary care provider first, refill prescriptions before the holidays and to find the holiday hours of your primary care provider and walk-in clinics.