Weekly influenza reports

March 31 to April 6, 2024 (week 14)

At the national level, most indicators of influenza activity are generally decreasing and are within or below expected levels typical of this time of year.

Virologic

• In week 14, the percentage of tests positive for influenza was 9.0% and a total of 2,611 laboratory detections (662 influenza A and 1,949 influenza B) were reported.

Syndromic

• The percentage of FluWatchers reporting cough and fever was 1.4% in week 14. The percentage of FluWatchers reporting cough and fever remains below expected levels for this time of year.

Outbreaks

• From August 27, 2023 to April 6, 2024 (weeks 35 to 14), 1,151 laboratory-confirmed influenza outbreaks have been reported (17 laboratory-confirmed influenza outbreaks were reported in week 14).

Severe Outcomes

• From August 27, 2023 to April 6, 2024 (weeks 35 to 14), 4,151 influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported by participating provinces and territories. Adults aged 65 years of age and older accounted for 47% of reported hospitalizations. The highest cumulative hospitalization rates were among adults 65 years of age and older (130/100,000) and children under 5 years of age (89/100,000).
• From October 1, 2023 to April 6, 2024 (weeks 40 to 14), 991 influenza-associated pediatric hospitalizations were reported from a total of 4,014 positive influenza tests across nine sentinel hospital sites.

Other Notes

• The 2023-2024 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Coverage Survey showed that influenza vaccination coverage was similar this year compared to the 2022-2023 season.
• Weekly reporting of laboratory detections of influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and other seasonal respiratory viruses will continue via our Respiratory Virus Detections Surveillance System.