The health unit said on Monday, the flu has returned to Greater Sudbury.

The health unit said in a press release that the first confirmed cases of the flu virus have been reported within the Public Health Services area of Sudbury and its districts.

It said the local cases align with the "sharp" increase in flu cases detected across Canada in recent weeks.

Justin Mansourian, a public health nurse, said in a press release: "Through the COVID-19 pandemic, we learned simple ways to protect ourselves from respiratory illnesses."

"These behaviors, such as staying home when sick, hand washing, covering, and vaccination, protect us from the flu as well as COVID-19."

Residents can also get the flu vaccine at local pharmacies, at the doctor's clinic, or by appointment at the health unit.

Mansourian said: "This year is unusual because we are seeing a very late start to the flu season, which usually lasts in Canada from November to April."