Lakelands Public Health has confirmed the region’s first laboratory case of influenza A, signalling the start of the 2025-26 respiratory illness season.
The case was detected in the City of Peterborough.
During last year’s respiratory season, more than 1,200 lab-confirmed flu cases were reported across Haliburton County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and the City and County of Peterborough, as well as Alderville, Curve Lake, and Hiawatha First Nations.
Flu season in Canada typically begins in early October and can last through May. With its early arrival, public health officials are urging residents to take precautions.
“One of the most effective ways people can protect themselves and their community is by getting the flu vaccine,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, Deputy Medical Officer of Health with Lakelands Public Health. “The flu shot helps prevent severe illness, especially among people more vulnerable due to age or other medical conditions.”
The flu vaccine is free for all Ontarians six months and older and is currently available for high-risk populations, including seniors, young children, and pregnant individuals. It will be available to the general public on October 27.
Residents can also access vaccines for COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at pharmacies or through healthcare providers.
Lakelands Public Health is also preparing to launch a new Respiratory Infections Dashboard, providing real-time data on lab-confirmed cases and outbreaks across the region.
For more information on flu shots and respiratory illness prevention, visit lakelandsph.ca.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
