Did you come down with an illness over the Christmas holidays? What you picked up may not be what you think. COVID cases were on a downward trend in the province just prior to Christmas week, however influenza cases are on the rise.

The province’s COVID dashboard shows that reported cases have dropped to the low double digits from an early fall peak of close to 90.

As of the latest reporting period, between December 22nd and the 28th, there were two people in hospital with the illness.

Lab confirmed cases of the flu, primarily Influenza A, started to creep up in December but are well below the five year average for this time of year.

Enteroviruses and rhinoviruses are dropping off after a peak soon after school opened, but cases of hMPV, or human metapneumovirus, a newly discovered paramyxovirus, is starting to rise.

All the respiratory illnesses currently in circulation result in cold-like symptoms. The same public health advisories apply no matter what you fall ill with. Cover your sneezes and coughs, stay home if you are sick, and if you must go out, consider wearing a mask.