SIMCOE MUSKOKA - The holidays are just around the corner, and that’s the prime time for people to be catching winter bugs like influenza.

Health unit surveillance is showing just a few lab-confirmed cases of influenza per week so far this year — a fairly typical start to flu season. But the end of December and early January often see a rise in cases as people gather with family and friends, spreading illness as well as good cheer.

The good news is that the strains of flu circulating at this time seem to be a good match with the vaccines available.

It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to reach its best protection, so if you haven’t had the shot yet, this is a good time to get the family immunized. Flu vaccines are available at most local pharmacies as well as from your health care provider.

For more information about influenza, and weekly bulletins about flu in our region, visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/flunews.

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