Cold and flu season is upon us, and this year, health experts anticipate a potentially harsher impact than in previous years. Early data emanating from Australia, where flu season begins earlier, indicates increased infection rates and more severe cases than observed in recent years. This trend often serves as a harbinger for what Canada might experience in the upcoming months.
Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch remarked, “Are we going to have a tough flu season? Probably.” He noted that Australia experienced two tough flu seasons consecutively, including the latest one, suggesting that Canada is likely to face similar challenges. Additionally, he pointed out that other northern hemisphere countries are already encountering significant levels of the H3N2 strain.
The most recent test results from Health Canada indicate that the flu activity is just three percent short of what is classified as a flu epidemic. With this data, health officials are urging the public to take precautions seriously.
This year’s flu vaccine has been tailored to combat strains such as H1N1 and H3N2, both of which are subtypes of Influenza A. Typically, one of these subtypes tends to dominate the flu season, but the current landscape remains uncertain regarding which strain will be more prevalent. Historically, H3N2 seasons have posed greater risks in terms of severity compared to H1N1 seasons.
At this point, health experts acknowledge that the correlation between the circulating strains and the efficacy of the vaccines cannot be precisely predicted. Dr. Dale Kalina Samji explained the complexities involved in vaccine formulation, stating, “We try to predict what the circulating strains will be and try to mimic that in the vaccines as they come out, but that will always be subject to change.” However, he emphasizes that receiving the vaccine remains beneficial, as it still offers some level of protection against the flu.
Health officials assert that now is the optimal time for individuals to get vaccinated to safeguard both personal health and the capacity of the healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed. Vaccination becomes particularly salient as flu cases generally escalate around Christmas, with hospitalizations peaking in February. As noted by Kyro Maseh, the owner of Rylander Pharmasave, many individuals have yet to receive their vaccinations, leading to widespread vaccination fatigue and a subsequent decline in immunity against the virus this season.
The demographics at highest risk for severe flu complications include young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals who are immunocompromised. Dr. Samji highlighted the significance of understanding that various respiratory viruses circulate during the flu season, many of which can be prevented with vaccines. Notably, three major respiratory viruses—RSV, COVID-19, and influenza—have vaccines available.
Canadians aged six months and older are eligible for the flu vaccine, and health officials are also advocating for the public to adopt additional preventive measures. Recommendations include practicing good hand hygiene, staying home when feeling unwell, and wearing masks in crowded environments to further curb the spread of respiratory illnesses.
