Increased handwashing, social distancing and pandemic-related lockdowns made for a very mild flu season in Sarnia-Lambton.
Lambton Public Health Supervisor Lori Lucas said the health unit reported just one lab-confirmed case of influenza B, compared to 66 confirmed influenza cases last season.
"For every one there could be more that are underreported because somebody didn't seek treatment or seek testing, that sort of thing," said Lucas. "But I think overall, this is what's been seen across the world, these significant, significant reductions in flu this year. Again, I think due in part to people just being extra diligent and listening to those public health measures."
Lucas said on top of public health measures, more people took advantage of the free flu vaccine.
"Our clinics just actually saw a small reduction," she said. "At our clinics we saw almost 2,300 doses given but we do know that there were many pharmacies as well this year giving out flu shots. We did see a spike in the number of people that were going to pharmacies to get their influenza vaccine."
Flu season typically ends around mid April.
According to Health Canada, the flu is responsible for about 12,200 hospitalizations every year and 3,500 deaths.
