Huron Perth Public Health is joining the province in urging people to wear masks and get vaccinated as respiratory cases surge.
In a statement released Monday, public health officials said there has been an earlier start to the influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season this year and they have received several reports of flu in children under five. The statement said the Huron Perth Public Health Unit typically does not see lab-confirmed cases of influenza in children this young.
Influenza and RSV are causing severe illness in children and straining the pediatric healthcare system.
Until December 1, anyone getting a COVID shot at an HPPH clinic can also get a flu shot. HPPH is not offering flu shots on their own at these clinics.