The Department of Health says the number of hospitalizations due to influenza has increased in recent weeks, but it remains within levels experienced in past seasons.

The department was responding to questions about a possible increase in respiratory illness over the Christmas holiday period.

Officials say COVID hospitalizations have been steady in recent weeks while the number of RSV detections have also increased, although it remains within what the department says are expected levels for this time of year.

The department says the best way to protect against severe illness caused by COVID or the flu is to stay up-to-date on vaccines.

The latest official case numbers date to just prior to Christmas.