Flu season starts early in Grand Erie district

J.P. Antonacci

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Summer did not technically end until Sept. 21, but Grant Erie Public Health has already reported the region’s first confirmed flu case of the season.

Flu season used to start in late October, but this is the third year in a row the first case of influenza A was reported in the summer.

“While flu activity is typically highest later in the fall and winter, this first confirmed case is a reminder that influenza is already present in our community,” said Dr. Jason Malenfant, Grand Erie’s Medical Officer of Health.

In 2024 and 2025, Grand Erie’s health unit reported the region’s first flu case in late August.

There were 608 lab-confirmed flu cases between Haldimand-Norfolk and Brantford-Brant in 2024-25.

That number jumped to 1,499 confirmed cases over the course of the 2025-26 flu season.

To head off flu cases this year, the health unit recommends residents get their flu shot when it becomes available next month and keep up to date on recommended vaccinations in the meantime.

Making a habit of washing your hands, staying home when sick and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze can help limit the spread of the flu bug, health officials said.

“The flu can be serious, particularly for infants, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions,” Malenfant said.

“Getting vaccinated remains the best way to protect yourself and help reduce the spread of illness to those around you.”

 J.P. Antonacci is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter based at the Hamilton Spectator. The initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.