Flu season in Canada likely peaked over the holidays.

The Public Health Agency of Canada says the influenza season likely peaked over the holidays, with test positivity near 33% at Christmas and later reported around 27%.

Canada's flu season likely reached its peak over the holidays, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. National data for Dec. 14 to Jan. 3 show the number of new cases remained high but had stabilized by early January. A rapid, early rise in influenza A strained hospitals over the holidays, and three children died in Ottawa and eastern Ontario. Provincial officials in Ontario and Alberta report recent declines in positivity and admissions but say substantial flu activity continues. What is known: - The federal agency reported test positivity reached about 33% the week of Christmas and later fell to about 27%. - Public Health Ontario said the province reached its peak the week of Dec. 21 and has seen about a 10% decrease since then. - Alberta reported more than 3,000 hospitalizations and 133 deaths this influenza season, and said test positivity and admissions have started to decline after a steep rise. - Officials described an early, unusually large wave of influenza A and noted an increase in influenza B, which often causes a later, generally milder wave. - Authorities said there are still several weeks of the season left despite recent decreases. Summary: The reported holiday peak produced high test positivity and put pressure on emergency departments and hospitals across provinces. Some jurisdictions are now seeing declines in positivity and admissions, but influenza activity remains elevated and officials note an increase in influenza B that can bring additional cases later in the season. Undetermined at this time.