Respiratory Illness Data Tools

Use the following tools to learn more about respiratory illness activity locally, provincially and across Canada.

2025-26 Respiratory Season

For summary information on COVID-19, influenza, RSV and other seasonal respiratory viruses, please visit the Ontario Respiratory Virus Tool (information below).

Tracking respiratory activity in Huron and Perth Counties

The health system’s readiness and response planning for respiratory illness season, including surveillance and vaccination efforts, is part of an annual cycle. [Seasonal Respiratory Pathogens Readiness and Response Planning Guide | Ontario Ministry of Health] 

This planning cycle typically runs from the first of September in the current year until the end of August the following year. (For example, Sept. 1, 2024 – Aug. 31, 2025). For the 2025-26 season, the cycle started Sunday August 24 (week #35).

Ontario Respiratory Virus Tool

The Ontario Respiratory Virus Tool provides comprehensive epidemiological information on respiratory virus activity in Ontario, including COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and other respiratory viruses. In this tool you can find:

• Case trends
• Outcomes (hospital bed occupancy, deaths)
• Laboratory testing
• Outbreaks

Gathering Surveillance Data

HPPH receives information about influenza and COVID-19 activity in the following ways:

• Lab-confirmed cases submitted through local doctors and hospitals
• Outbreaks at local hospitals, long-term care homes and other facilities

Because not everyone is eligible for influenza or COVID-19 testing, the number of lab-confirmed cases of either virus is only a small portion of people who may actually have influenza or COVID-19.

The number and trend of lab-confirmed cases being reported is a reflection of the level of influenza and COVID-19 activity in Huron and Perth, however, the actual number of  cases in our region is likely higher.

Visit the Outbreak Summary Report 2025-26 for an ongoing list of open and closed respiratory and enteric illness outbreaks in Huron-Perth long-term care homes, retirement homes, and hospitals.

Additional respiratory illness data sources and reports

• COVID-19 Data Trends | Public Health Agency of Canada
• Flu (influenza): FluWatch surveillance | Public Health Agency of Canada