Lambton Public Health (LPH) is sharing advice on how to stay healthy over the holidays as the region sees a spike in flu cases.
Health Protection Supervisor Carshenan Lai said influenza rates are a little higher than what was seen in previous years.
The latest data (for the week of December 7 to December 13) shows a local influenza positivity rate of 36.4 per cent, slightly higher than the provincial rate of 33.8 per cent.
The numbers are also a little higher compared to the previous week, of November 30 to December 6, when the local influenza positivity rate was at 31.1 per cent and the provincial average was at 25.8 per cent.
"We do know that this is an unusually early flu season though," Lai said.
However, there's no single reason to explain why the season has started early.
"It's really hard to predict every year what the flu season will look like and each year, the season trends do differ," she said. "Public Health Ontario has noted that what happens in the southern hemisphere for flu is not a reliable predictor of Canadian activity."
With holiday gatherings expected to ramp up this week, Lai said it's important to keep in mind different layers of protection.
"Like staying home when you're sick, not going to gatherings if you're not feeling well, covering your coughs and sneezes, using masks if necessary, and consistent and proper handwashing techniques," Lai said.
That being said, the best way to prevent infection is through vaccination and Lai said it's not too late to get the flu shot.
"Although it does take about 10 to 14 days for the flu vaccine to reach its full effect, there is still evidence to say that getting vaccinated now, you'll still have protection for what's going to happen throughout the rest of this flu season," she said.
The Ontario Hospital Association recently urged residents to get vaccinated against influenza due to rising admissions.
In the meantime, LPH has also shared tips to stay "food safe" during the holidays.
Health safety tips include: cooking food thoroughly, chilling leftovers right away, and washing your hands before handling food.
Further details can be found on the health unit's website.
