Southeast Public Health: Take Precautions to Prevent the Spread of Respiratory Illness

Press Release – Southeast Public Health

Southeast Public Health (SEPH) 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. 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 6 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 vaccine is available for eligible individuals through health-care providers and through 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. Visit the link for your local area to book an appointment: 

Hastings Prince Edward region

Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington region

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark region

“Becoming immunized against influenza every year is an important step in protecting the health of vulnerable members of our community and of the capacity of our health-care services and is highly recommended for anyone who is able to do so. Influenza can result in severe outcomes and pose serious health risks to anyone, especially to those who have underlying medical conditions, those over 65 years of age, and young children,” said Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Deputy Medical Officer for SEPH.

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.