A regional health official says this year’s flu season is following a familiar trajectory, with an early surge of influenza A now easing as spring approaches. Dr. Mahmoud Khodaveisi, a medical officer of health with Southern Health-Santé Sud, says the 2025–26 respiratory season has been largely consistent with last year in both timing and severity. Related stories: Infants exposed to measles may qualify for preventative treatment With cases rising, it's not too late to get a flu shot Flu shot clinics open up in Southern Health-Sante Sud Flu activity follows expected pattern “I believe this year’s flu season is quite similar to last year. Influenza is typically caused by influenza A or influenza B. Influenza A usually begins at the start of the season and remains dominant through the winter, while influenza B tends to appear later, often in early spring,” Khodaveisi says. He explains that a strong wave of influenza A cases occurred in late fall, peaking in November and December before declining in recent weeks. The H3N2 strain was the dominant subtype this year, contributing to more severe illness compared to influenza B. “This year, we saw a significant peak of influenza A cases in November and December. Influenza A includes strains such as H1N1 and H3N2, and this year H3N2 was the dominant strain. We have now passed that peak and are beginning to see an increase in influenza B activity, although overall activity remains low. Influenza A generally causes more severe symptoms than influenza B,” Khodaveisi adds. He notes that while vaccines were developed based on earlier projections, slight changes in circulating strains reduced their effectiveness somewhat this season. “After the World Health Organization formulated the vaccine, the circulating strains evolved slightly. This resulted in a partial mismatch and reduced effectiveness, although overall flu activity remains comparable to last year,” Khodaveisi notes. COVID-19 variants remain under watch Khodaveisi says the emergence of new COVID-19 variants continues to be expected, as viruses naturally evolve over time. While a newer variant has been referenced in media reports, there is no evidence it is causing more severe illness. “COVID-19, like other viruses, continues to evolve and produce new variants. This is a normal part of how viruses behave. Organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Public Health Agency of Canada continue to monitor these developments closely,” Khodaveisi continues. He says early data suggests the newer variant may be more transmissible, but not more severe, and no additional public health measures are required at this time. Spring slowdown expected As the region transitions into spring, flu activity is now relatively low, with only a modest rise in influenza B expected. “Flu activity is quite low at this time of year. While influenza B is beginning to increase, we do not expect a significant peak like we saw with influenza A. Overall, the trend remains similar to last year,” Khodaveisi adds. He says vaccination continues to be important, particularly for higher-risk groups such as older adults, young children, and those with underlying health conditions. “Adults aged 65 and older, as well as children over six months with medical conditions, are considered higher risk. While everyone is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, it is strongly recommended for these groups,” Khodaveisi notes. Public urged to stay cautious Even as case numbers decline, Khodaveisi emphasizes the importance of basic public health measures to reduce the spread of illness, especially to vulnerable populations. “In the community, many infections go unreported unless individuals require hospital care. If people are feeling unwell, they should stay home and avoid spreading illness, particularly to vulnerable individuals such as young children, older adults, and those with medical conditions. Practicing good hygiene, including handwashing and covering coughs, remains essential,” Khodaveisi says. He adds that those who have not yet been vaccinated, especially individuals at higher risk or those planning to travel, should still consider getting immunized before the season concludes. - with files by Cory Knutt