Lakelands Public Health Confirms First Influenza Case of 2025/26 Respiratory Season

City of Peterborough, ON (October 9, 2025) - Lakelands Public Health (formed from the merger of the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health) is confirming the respiratory season’s first laboratory-confirmed case of Influenza A, commonly known as the flu, in the City of Peterborough.  

During the 2024-2025 respiratory season, 1,202 lab-confirmed flu cases were reported across the County of Haliburton, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, the City and County of Peterborough, and Alderville, Curve Lake, and Hiawatha First Nations. Flu season in Canada typically begins in early October and can last through until May. With the early arrival, Lakelands Public Health is urging residents to take proactive steps to prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses. Influenza, a respiratory infection, can range from mild to severe and may lead to complications even in healthy individuals. 

“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 to prevent severe illness, especially among people more vulnerable due to age or other medical conditions. Everyone can do their part to prevent the spread of infections during respiratory season by staying home when you’re sick and getting vaccinated.” 

The flu vaccine is available for free to all eligible Ontarians over six months old, with a focus on protecting seniors, young children, and pregnant individuals who are at higher risk for serious flu complications. The flu vaccine is currently available for high-risk populations and will become available to the general public on October 27. 
 
In addition to the flu vaccine, immunization is also available for COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this respiratory season. Residents can get these vaccines at participating pharmacies or from their healthcare providers. Lakelands Public Health is offering vaccine clinics for eligible children aged five and under as well as eligible adults aged 75 and over without a primary care provider. 

In addition to vaccination, Lakelands Public Health is encouraging residents to: 

Respiratory Infections Dashboard – Launching Soon! 
To further support residents in staying informed and making data-driven health decisions, Lakelands Public Health will soon be launching a Respiratory Infections Dashboard. This tool will provide data on lab-confirmed cases for common respiratory infections, as well as information on outbreaks declared in the highest-risk settings. Residents are encouraged to explore this dashboard to stay informed and support the health and well-being of our community. 
 
More Information 

-30-