Canada officially in the middle of influenza epidemic

A recent report indicates that the flu epidemic has started in Canada, with the percentage of hospital visits for influenza-like illness above seasonal average.

According to the federal government’s latest “FluWatch” report, influenza activity has crossed the seasonal threshold, indicating that the country is officially in the midst of a flu epidemic.

The weekly percentage of tests positive for influenza increased from a little over six per cent in week 43 to 11.7 per cent in week 44 and is above expected pre-pandemic levels.

READ MORE: Ontario government facing mounting pressure to mandate masks

In weeks 42 to 43, a total of 1,508 laboratory detections of influenza were reported.

In the most recent report for week 44 (between Oct. 30 and Nov. 5), a total of 2,234 cases of influenza were reported with 99 influenza-associated hospitalizations from participating provinces and territories.

That is an increase of 726 cases from Aug. 28 to Oct. 29 (weeks 35 to 43), when 72 influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported by participating provinces and territories.

The pediatric hospitals have been under stress in recent weeks due to an influx of children sick from COVID-19, RSV and influenza.

The Ontario government is facing mounting pressure from experts to mandate masks as children’s hospitals exceed capacity.