Public Health Agency of Canada
www.publichealth.gc.ca
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Overall Influenza Summary
- Overall, influenza activity in Canada continues to decline; however, several regions are still reporting elevated influenza activity (i.e. in the Atlantic Region, Quebec, Ontario, and the Prairies).
- Twenty outbreaks of influenza or ILI were reported this week (8 in LTCFs, 6 in schools and 6 others).
- In week 17, 524 laboratory detections of influenza were reported (11.1% - A(H3); 6.1% - A(H1N1)pdm09; 15.6% - unsubtyped and 67.2% influenza B). To date this season, influenza B remains the predominant virus type circulating in provinces east of Saskatchewan.
- Fifty-one influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported this week (13 paediatric through IMPACT surveillance and 38 adult through aggregate surveillance)
- The ILI consultation rate increased compared to the previous week but remains within expected levels.
About FluWatch
FluWatch is Canada's national surveillance system that monitors the spread of flu and flu-like illnesses on an on-going basis. FluWatch reports, posted every Friday, contain specific information for health professionals on flu viruses circulating in Canada.
The FluWatch program consists of a network of labs, hospitals, doctor's offices and provincial and territorial ministries of health. Program objectives include to:
- Detect flu outbreaks across the country as early as possible
- Provide timely up-to-date information on flu activity in Canada and abroad to health professionals [and interested Canadians]
- Monitor circulating strains of the flu virus (like H1N1) and assess their sensitivity to antiviral medications, [such as Tamiflu and Relenza]. Antivirals, when used by doctors to treat flu, can help reduce the severity of the illness and the recovery time for a patient
- Provide information that the World Health Organization can use to make its recommendations on the best vaccine to use for seasonal flu shots.
The Summary Box above covers the main findings from the current week's FluWatch report.
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