Holiday precautions to spread cheer, not germs

Amina Zafar · CBC News

· Posted: Dec 10, 2025 7:12 PM EST | Last Updated: 18 minutes ago

Health officials are reminding Canadians to maintain healthy habits during the holiday season, as influenza leads to more school absences and hospitalizations.

People over 65, under five, infants, those who are pregnant or living with chronic medical conditions are among those especially at risk of serious complications from respiratory infectious diseases, officials say. 

Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) usually increase in the fall and winter, and COVID-19 continues to circulate throughout the year, the Public Health Agency of Canada says.

The latest federal respiratory virus surveillance report, for the week ending Nov. 29, said positive tests for influenza rose 13 per cent, while the virus that causes COVID was steady at 6.6 per cent. 

Influenza cases are increasing in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick among others, according to provincial data. Here are some reminders about how to stay healthy:

WATCH | Flu season hits early and hard:

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect your family, your community and yourself from both infection and developing serious complications, federal, provincial and territorial health officials say. 

Rolling out flu and COVID vaccines before overall transmission picks up in the winter works from a simplicity standpoint, says Dr. Zain Chagla, an infectious diseases specialist and associate professor at McMaster University in Hamilton.

Otherwise, Chagla says, think about who you're meeting who might be vulnerable to respiratory viruses, such as those in long-term care homes.

"While it’s a great season to meet, just recognize that mild illnesses can transfer to others and lead to major illnesses," he said.  

Handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes and wearing respirators and medical masks when seeking health care for respiratory symptoms are also recommended.