Copyright Kingstonist
The first case of Influenza A has been reported in the Southeast Public Health (SEPH) region for the 2025/26 respiratory season, prompting the local Health Unit to urge residents to “take precautions to prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses.” According to a release from SEPH, dated Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, influenza causes mild to severe illness and can lead to serious health complications, even in healthy children and adults. The Health Unit did not say whereabouts in the region the recently confirmed Influenza A case is. Kingstonist has reached out to the SEPH about this; this article will be updated if that information becomes available. 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, SEPH stated, encouraging residents to get up to date on their influenza vaccination as soon as they are eligible. According to the release, the flu shot reduces the risk of severe illness, and helps protect individuals and local health-care resources. SEPH said that the 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 the 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 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. The local health unit said that, 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. According to the release, symptomatic individuals should stay home when they feel unwell. Influenza symptoms include: fever (greater than 38C/100.4F) 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, according to the release. SEPH suggests that when individuals are recovering from any respiratory illness, they 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.
