The flu season in Canada, after a peak during the holiday period, is now showing signs of stabilization and even decline, offering a glimmer of hope as we enter the new year. This is welcome news, especially after a challenging period. According to the latest figures released, the influenza activity reached a three-year high during the holidays. However, the data indicates a shift towards more manageable levels. The information covers the period from December 14th to January 3rd. During the week of Christmas, an alarming 33.3% of tests came back positive for influenza, marking the highest rate in the past three seasons. But here's where it gets interesting: the subsequent week saw a decrease, with the positivity rate dropping to just over 27%. This suggests that while the flu was widespread, the situation might be improving. Health Canada reported that indicators of influenza activity were high but either stable or decreasing in the most recent week ending January 3rd. The predominant strain identified in influenza A cases was the highly contagious and potentially severe H3N2 strain.
But that's not all; while flu cases are stabilizing, there's more to the story. Cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have increased since the last update on December 19th, with 3.4% of tests returning positive. Simultaneously, COVID-19 cases also saw a rise, with 5.3% positive tests. Health Canada noted a slow increase in RSV activity and a rise in some indicators of COVID-19. Hospitalizations for all flu strains have remained steady since the last update on December 19th, with 12.4 patients per 100,000 of the population reported weekly. In the most recent week, there were 343 reported outbreaks across the country, with 72% related to influenza. This number marks the second week-over-week decline from a peak of 457 outbreaks reported during the week ending December 20th. Thirteen regions across five provinces – Alberta, Prince Edward Island, southern Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia’s Lower Mainland – experienced "widespread" influenza activity during the reporting period.
The dominant strain circulating in both Canada and the United States is influenza A(H3N2), including a subvariant – A(H3N2) subclade K, according to the World Health Organization. In Ottawa, the situation is particularly poignant, with three children between the ages of five and nine having died from influenza A-related complications. Health officials in Ottawa are strongly urging everyone over six months old to get vaccinated. In November, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario saw a significant surge in cases, with eight times more children testing positive for influenza compared to the previous year and double the number of children requiring hospitalization. The hospital emphasized that "the flu is more than a bad cold." Children under five are at a higher risk of severe illness due to their smaller airways and developing immune systems. Even healthy children can become seriously ill, and the flu spreads rapidly in schools and childcare settings.
So, what do you think? Are you seeing a similar trend in your community? Do you believe the measures taken are sufficient? Share your thoughts in the comments below – let's start a conversation!
