Influenza Positivity Rates Hit 26.9 Percent in Canada as Infection and Hospitalization Rates Rise
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 22, 2025 8 hours, 50 minutes ago
Medical News: Flu Cases Surge Across Canada
Recent data from Canada’s national health surveillance system paints a concerning picture of the country’s battle with influenza. The latest report reveals a sharp increase in flu cases, with a positivity rate of 26.9 percent - the highest recorded since the early weeks of the past 2020-21 flu season. Certain regions, including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, are witnessing widespread flu activity, while most other provinces report localized or sporadic outbreaks.
Influenza Positivity Rates Hit 26.9 Percent in Canada as Infection and Hospitalization Rates Rise
This
Medical News report highlights key statistics and insights from the latest FluWatch report, shedding light on the growing impact of influenza on public health. According to health authorities, the virus is particularly affecting the elderly population, with hospitalization rates steadily increasing.
Influenza A (H1N1) Dominates This Season
Of the 11,790 positive flu cases recorded last week, the vast majority (92.6 percent) were caused by influenza A, with H1N1 emerging as the dominant subtype. Commonly known as swine flu, H1N1 was responsible for the 2009 flu pandemic that led to millions of infections worldwide.
Influenza A viruses are notorious for their ability to cause pandemics due to their rapid mutations and high transmission rates. The current trend suggests that older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above, face the highest risk of severe illness.
COVID-19 and RSV Decline While Flu Surges
Alongside influenza tracking, health officials are also monitoring cases of COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Unlike the rising flu numbers, cases of COVID-19 and RSV have been decreasing in recent weeks.
Last week’s test results showed that just under five percent of samples were positive for RSV, while COVID-19 positivity stood at four percent. This marks the lowest COVID-19 positivity rate recorded in Canada since the start of the 2022-23 season. However, health experts warn that flu season is far from over, and continued vigilance is necessary.
Flu Symptoms and How to Differentiate It from the Common Cold
Given the similarities in symptoms, distinguishing between the flu and the common cold can be challenging. Health Canada identifies the following as common flu symptoms:
-Fever and chills
-Cough
-Muscle aches and body pain
-Fatigue
-Sore throat
-Runny or stuffy nose
-Headaches
-Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (more common in children)
In contrast, the common cold is usually milder, with a primary focus on nasal congestion and a runny nose. RSV, another respiratory illness, shares overlapping symptoms but can lead to wheezing and severe breathing issues, particularly in young children and older adults.
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Hospitalizations and Outbreaks on the Rise
As influenza positivity rates climb, hospitalization numbers are following suit. The most recent data shows a weekly hospitalization rate of 3.4 per 100,000 people, with those aged 65 and older being the most affected. Since the start of the flu season in late August, there have been 2,412 flu-related hospitalizations nationwide, with 205 ICU admissions and 104 deaths reported.
Long-term care facilities are particularly vulnerable, accounting for 50 percent of all flu-related outbreaks. Over the past week, 103 new outbreaks were recorded, pushing the season’s total to nearly 700. This places additional strain on healthcare resources as hospitals work to manage the rising number of severe cases.
Influenza Trends Compared to Past Seasons
The 2024-2025 flu season has so far displayed a trajectory similar to pre-pandemic years, with positivity rates inching closer to historic peaks. Between 2014 and 2020, peak positivity rates averaged around 31.3 percent, with a maximum of 36 percent recorded in certain years. Current projections suggest that Canada could reach similar peak levels in the coming weeks.
The Importance of Vaccination and Preventive Measures
Health authorities continue to stress the importance of flu vaccinations, particularly for high-risk groups such as seniors, children, and individuals with pre-existing conditions. The National Microbiology Laboratory’s latest analysis indicates that this year’s flu vaccine remains a good match for circulating strains, providing effective protection against severe illness.
Beyond vaccination, preventive measures such as regular handwashing, wearing masks in crowded spaces, and staying home when sick can help reduce transmission rates. Given the unpredictable nature of influenza, proactive steps are crucial in minimizing its impact.
Conclusion
With flu positivity rates reaching 26.9 percent, Canada is facing a significant surge in influenza cases. The H1N1 strain is the dominant culprit, leading to rising hospitalizations and an increasing number of outbreaks, particularly in senior care facilities. While COVID-19 and RSV cases are on the decline, the flu season remains in full swing, warranting continued caution. Vaccination, along with basic preventive measures, remains the best defense against severe illness and complications. As the flu season progresses, it is essential for the public to stay informed and take appropriate health precautions to protect themselves and those around them.
The latest Canadian respiratory virus surveillance report can be found here:
https://health-infobase.canada.ca/respiratory-virus-surveillance/influenza.html
For the latest Influenza News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
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