Peterborough Sees First Flu Case of 2026/27 Respiratory Season

By Scott Arnold

Lakelands Public Health has confirmed the first laboratory-confirmed case of Influenza A in Peterborough, marking an earlier start to this year’s respiratory season.

Lakelands Public Health is confirming the first laboratory-confirmed case of Influenza A, commonly known as the flu, in the City of Peterborough (photo by scott arnold)

The case was confirmed about a month earlier than last year’s first reported case, which was confirmed in October.

Lakelands Public Health says residents can help limit the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses by staying home when sick, washing their hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes and paying attention to indoor air quality.

Residents are also encouraged to consider wearing a mask indoors, particularly if they are recovering from a respiratory infection, there is a lot of transmission or they are at higher risk of severe illness.

The flu vaccine is expected to become available in October and will be free for anyone six months of age and older. Lakelands Public Health says more information about vaccine availability will be shared once timelines are received from the province.

During the 2025/26 respiratory season, there were 1,104 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases across the Lakelands Public Health region.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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