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COVID-19, respiratory illnesses in B.C.: What to know to prepare for new vaccine​on October 4, 2025 at 5:41 pm

MAK Gojar

It’s that time of year again when sniffles and a sore throat could mean a cold or something more serious like a respiratory illness such as RSV or COVID-19. Read More

​Here are some questions and answers about the upcoming flu and cold season in B.C., with the latest information on the virus that causes COVID-19, vaccinations and more.   

Here are some questions and answers about the upcoming flu and cold season in B.C., with the latest information on the virus that causes COVID-19, vaccinations and more.

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Health officials say if you don’t feel well or if you have any symptoms, even if mild, assume you may have COVID-19. Photo by Rafael Abdrakhmanov /Getty Images/iStockphoto

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It’s that time of year again when sniffles and a sore throat could mean a cold or something more serious like a respiratory illness such as RSV or COVID-19.

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The B.C. Centre for Disease Control has resumed weekly updates for the 2025-26 respiratory season. According to the latest COVID-19 data, released by the B.C. CDC on Thursday, cases of COVID-19 are rising across Canada but remain at moderate levels in B.C.

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Severe cases of the illness remain low.

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Here’s some of the latest information. Check back for more updates as the province releases more details in the coming weeks.

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What’s the current COVID situation in B.C.?

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The B.C. CDC data show COVID-19 is at a moderate level in B.C. while wastewater testing shows moderate to high levels of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

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Overall in Canada, COVID-19 activity is increasing, according to the agency’s latest update, while other respiratory illnesses such as influenza and RSV are low.

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Dr. Jennifer Vines, medical director of public health response at the B.C. CDC, said severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection, such as hospitalization and death, remain low in B.C., similar to other parts of Canada.

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Visits to the emergency department and primary care for respiratory illness are slowly increasing, but trends are comparable to the same period last year.

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What is the newest variant and does the last vaccine cover it?

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The most common variants in B.C., according to B.C. CDC data, are NB.1.8.1, XFG.2, and XFG.3. The NB variant, also called Nimbus, became known for causing a very painful sore throat. 

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The XFG variant, also called Stratus, is the latest to spread in Canada. Experts say these variants do not pose a bigger threat than previous variants but illness varies from person to person, and depends on different factors like age and health. The SARS-CoV-2 virus mutates often, and new strains of the virus are usually more infectious.

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Notifications to book vaccine appointments will commence on Tuesday. Immunization appointments will be available starting Oct. 14. Photo by ANGELA WEISS /AFP via Getty Images

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What vaccinations are available?

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Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines will be available at no cost to residents of B.C. again this season, said Vines.

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Notifications to book vaccine appointments will commence on Tuesday. Immunization appointments will be available starting Oct. 14.

 

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