SKEENA REGION, BC – Influenza activity is climbing significantly across Canada as the holiday season approaches, with federal health officials reporting sharp increases in detections, outbreaks, and hospitalizations tied to the dominant Influenza Astrain.
The latest update from the Government of Canada, released December 5 and covering data up to November 29 (surveillance week 48), shows that 13 per cent of influenza tests were positive, marking a rising trend nationwide. This is a sharp increase from the 0.6% positivity rate seen at the end of August.
Influenza A Dominates Across Age Groups
Of the 3,655 laboratory-confirmed detections reported in week 48, 99 per cent were Influenza A.
- Dominant Subtype: Among subtyped Influenza A cases, the A(H3N2) strain dominated, accounting for 80 per cent of detections.
- Vulnerable Populations: Health authorities are urging vigilance, particularly for seniors and children who are most affected by the current strains.
- Individuals aged 65-plus accounted for the most detections overall.
- Children and youth (aged 19 and under) represented the highest proportion of A(H3N2) cases, at 47 per cent.
Since August 24, more than 10,000 influenza detections have been reported nationwide, with A(H3N2) accounting for 63 per cent of subtyped cases.
Hospitalizations and Outbreaks Rising
All indicators of influenza activity are increasing as families prepare for holiday gatherings:
- Outbreaks: 38 outbreaks were confirmed in week 48, with the numbers continuing an upward trend.
- Hospitalizations: The weekly rate of hospitalizations reached 1.9 per 100,000 population, also following a continued upward trend.
Influenza activity was reported in 48 regions across 12 provinces and territories. Widespread activity was reported in British Columbia and Quebec. Localized activity was reported in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
Get Vaccinated in B.C.
Health authorities continue to stress that the best defense is vaccination. The influenza vaccine is recommended and available free of charge to all B.C. residents aged 6 months and older.
B.C. residents can get immunized at participating pharmacies, health authority clinics, and some primary-care provider offices. If you are registered with the Get Vaccinated system, you will receive a notification and booking link. Alternatively, you can check with a local pharmacy for walk-in availability or call the Get Vaccinated call centre at 1-833-838-2323.
