The recent data indicates a concerning surge in influenza cases across Canada, with hospitalizations expected to rise sharply in the coming weeks. According to Canada's public health database, 28 percent of nationwide flu tests have returned positive, marking an almost eight percent increase compared to the previous week.
Public Health Ontario reported that 5,400 influenza cases were documented for the week ending December 13, with nearly 35 percent of tests confirming the presence of the virus. The data highlights a high infection rate among children, particularly with 73 percent of cases occurring in those aged between 5 and 11 years old.
Accompanying the spike in cases, there has been a notable increase in hospitalizations across the country, which have nearly doubled within a single week. In Ontario alone, there were just under 1,000 reported hospitalizations linked to influenza, showing a rise of more than 400 from the week prior. Tragically, three children from the Ottawa area have died in the past two weeks due to complications from influenza.
The Hospital for Sick Children's Emergency Department has experienced a significant surge in patient volumes, up by 50 percent over the last two weeks. A spokesperson for the Toronto facility mentioned that this surge is at the high end of the predicted figures for the respiratory illness season.
Dr. Michelle Murti, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, characterized this as a severe influenza season, stating that last year was considered one of the worst in a decade. Alarmingly, current figures indicate that the hospitalization rates have already surpassed those of the previous year.
Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch explained two key factors contributing to the current surge in influenza cases. Firstly, he noted that multiple strains of the influenza virus circulate concurrently, with the H3N2 strain being a common cause of more severe flu seasons. Secondly, he pointed out that the effectiveness of this year’s influenza vaccine, particularly its H3N2 component, is not as strong as desired. However, he emphasized that vaccination still provides essential protection and should not be skipped.
Dr. Bogoch highlighted that individuals under the age of four and those over 65 years old are at the highest risk for hospitalization due to influenza. He reiterated that the patterns of influenza prevalence tend to recur annually.
The Public Health Agency of Canada advises that the flu is contagious from one day before symptoms appear and can continue being contagious for about five days after symptoms begin. Notably, children and individuals with weakened immune systems may remain contagious for longer periods, with the third day of infection being the most infectious. The agency recommends staying home and avoiding close contacts for at least the first three days after the onset of symptoms, extending to five days or until complete recovery if possible.
Mild symptoms of the flu may include fever, cough, muscle aches, chills, fatigue, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite, and nasal congestion. In some cases, particularly among children, symptoms can also include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Importantly, these viral symptoms do not require antibiotic treatment. General care approaches include using saline washes for nasal congestion and over-the-counter medications for reducing fever or aches. However, cough and flu medications should not be administered to children under the age of six unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider.
