Influenza is still driving high levels of respiratory illness in Peel Region as Mississauga families return to work and school after the holidays, according to the latest weekly report from Peel Public Health.

The report covers Dec. 28, 2025 to Jan. 3, 2026, and says respiratory virus activity in Peel remained high, with activity continuing to be driven by influenza.

What the numbers show

The health unit counted 619 new lab-confirmed influenza cases during that week. That was lower than the week before, but still rated high compared with past seasons. It notes the count can include duplicates and may change.

  • Influenza test positivity was 41.8 per cent in the previous week, rated high and roughly unchanged.

  • RSV positivity rose to 5.4 per cent, a moderate level.

  • COVID-19 positivity was low at 1.4 per cent.

  • Influenza-like illness accounted for 4.8 per cent of emergency department visits by Peel residents, a moderate level that was lower than the week before.

  • Ten new respiratory outbreaks were declared in hospitals, long-term care homes and retirement homes.

Wastewater testing, which was last updated for the week before, showed high levels of influenza A and of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Young children hit hardest

Since Sept. 1, Peel has recorded 1,845 lab-confirmed influenza cases with a known type. Children under five have the highest rate by far, at about 661 cases per 100,000 people, followed by seniors 65 and older at about 179 per 100,000. Most cases with a known subtype were influenza A(H3N2).

Institutional outbreaks have also been a concern. The report lists dozens of influenza outbreaks so far this season in Peel hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement homes and other congregate settings, along with outbreaks of COVID-19 and other viruses. It records four deaths among people linked to influenza outbreaks.

What it means for Mississauga

For Mississauga families, the report is a reminder that flu is still circulating widely as children return to classrooms and daycares after the winter break, and that the youngest children are being hit hardest.

Peel Public Health said its next report is scheduled for Jan. 14.