Canada's current influenza season is showing an alarming rise in cases, especially among individuals aged 65 and older, according to the latest report from the Public Health Agency of Canada. The Flu Watch report, released on Friday, indicates that test positivity for influenza has reached 26.9 percent and continues to climb. This figure marks the highest level of positivity since the onset of the 2020-21 season, suggesting that this may be Canada's most severe flu season since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The nation is eight weeks into the flu season, with the virus predominantly affecting regions such as Yukon, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Historically, the respiratory virus season peaks around nine weeks, based on data from 2014-15 to 2019-20. This season's influenza activity is notably high in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta, overshadowing other tracked respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Nationally, both COVID-19 and RSV indicators have seen a decrease.
"Nationally, indicators of influenza activity continue to increase," – Public Health Agency of Canada's Flu Watch report.
The Public Health Agency of Canada's surveillance encompasses hospital-based data, weekly surveys of Canadians about new respiratory symptoms, and flu test results for individuals seeking medical care. Despite the surge in flu cases, critical care numbers remain comparable to previous years.
Dr. Zain Chagla, an infectious disease physician at St. Joseph's Healthcare and an associate professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, weighed in on the situation. He emphasized the need for continued monitoring of the flu's progression.
"Per cent positivity will be tracked over time to see when that peak happens and when the burdens are high," – Dr. Zain Chagla.
The ongoing flu season has seen most hospitalizations among seniors aged 65 and above. As the country grapples with these rising numbers, healthcare authorities remain vigilant in tracking and responding to this public health challenge.
