Public Health Agency of Canada
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Isolations - Weekly FluWatch Reports Archive
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Overall Influenza Summary
- Influenza activity is increasing in more regions across the country; however, activity remains low in certain areas (i.e. Atlantic region, the Territories, and northern regions of QC & ON)
- Seven regions reported localized influenza activity and 16 regions reported sporadic influenza activity
- Eight outbreaks of influenza were reported this week (3 in hospitals and 5 in LTCFs)
- In week 02, 134 laboratory detections of influenza were reported (73 A/H3, 9 A(H1N1)pdm09, 14 A unsubtyped and 38 B)
- Eighteen influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported this week (3 paediatric and 15 adult)
- The national ILI consultation rate declined this week compared to previous weeks but remains within expected levels for this time of year.
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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