SEPH: Get your flu shot, first confirmed case of Influenza A

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.

The health unit did not specify where the confirmed case was.

Influenza causes mild to severe illness and can lead to serious health complications, even in healthy children and adults.

The flu shot reduces the risk of severe illness.

The influenza vaccine is available free of charge to everyone, six-months of age and older who lives, works, or goes to school in Ontario.

Flu vaccine is available for eligible individuals through health-care providers and participating pharmacies. For individuals under five 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:

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

Meanwhile the Prince Edward Family Health Team (PEFHT) is launching its annual COVID, Cold and Flu Clinics.

The clinics will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning November 11, offering assessment, testing, and treatment options for patients experiencing respiratory symptoms. These clinics will operate from 5pm to 8pm on each of these days and are open to all residents of Prince Edward County and Hastings County.

“These clinics are an important part of our community’s response to seasonal illness, made possible by leveraging partnerships between our local Ontario Health Team partners,” said Barinder Gill, Executive Director of the Prince Edward Family Health Team. “By providing timely access to care, we can help keep our communities healthy, reduce strain on our emergency departments, and ensure that patients receive the right care in the right place.”

The clinics will be supported by members of PEFHT’s interprofessional team, including nurses and administrative professionals, working closely with dedicated Prince Edward County family physicians.

Patients experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, congestion and gastrointestinal symptoms who feel they need to seek care are encouraged to contact the clinic for an appointment. Patients can book appointments online by visiting https://princeedwardfht.com/online-booking-portal/ . Alternatively, patients without access to internet can call 613-476-0400 Extension 0 to book an appointment starting November 11.