Flu season has arrived inconveniently, just in time for Christmas.

The Public Health Agency of Canada says activity is surging in many parts of the country.  Doctor Vinita Dubey of Toronto Public Health says cases here almost doubled last week.  “So it is higher than what we would expect.  In a usual ten year mean, we  might see 89 cases at this time of the season.”

How best to protect against catching and passing along the nasty flu viruses?  Infectious diseases specialist Doctor Michael Gardam says it’s all about common sense.  “If you are sick, stay away from people.  So, don’t come into work, don’t go to that Christmas party if you’re really feeling ill.  It’s just unfair to everyone else.  And those people who are healthy should be washing their hands at least five times a day.”

The strains of the flu virus that are showing up in Toronto are the ones in this year’s flu vaccine. Medical experts say it’s still not too late to get a flu shot.