The True Post (Web News)Influenza (flu) cases are increasing rapidly across Canada, while the rate of hospitalizations has nearly doubled.
According to the latest figures from Health Canada , the overall flu situation in the country is worsening, with the H3N2 virus now the most prevalent strain.
According to Health Canada, 11,646 new flu cases were reported across the country during the week ending December 13, a 71 per cent increase from the previous week. Of all tests conducted during that time, 27.7 per cent came back positive, compared to 20.2 per cent a week earlier.
The number of hospitalizations due to flu has also increased alarmingly, according to the data. The rate reached 6.2 people per 100,000 population in the most recent week, up from 3.6 people per 100,000 the previous week. The number of flu outbreaks across Canada has also increased significantly. There were 91 outbreaks reported in the first week of December, increasing to 186 in the week ending December 13. During this time, influenza activity was reported in 44 regions across 11 provinces and territories.
Health Canada said in a statement on its website that > “All indicators of influenza activity remain elevated and continue to increase. Flu cases are being reported in all regions of the country.”
According to the report, flu activity has been classified as “widespread” in 11 regions** in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec.
According to the data, the people most affected by the flu include seniors aged 65 years or older and children aged four years or younger. The report states that 44 percent of newly reported cases are patients aged 19 years or younger.
According to the World Health Organization, influenza A (H3N2) is currently the most prevalent strain in Canada and the United States, including a subtype A(H3N2) subclade K. Three children aged five to nine have died in the Canadian capital, Ottawa, from complications related to influenza A. Local health officials have urged everyone over the age of six months to get the flu vaccine.
According to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), eight times more children were diagnosed with the flu in November than last year, while the number of children hospitalized due to the flu also doubled.
The hospital statement said: “Flu is not just a common cold. Children under five are at higher risk of severe illness because their respiratory tracts are smaller and their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Even healthy children can become seriously ill with the flu, and the virus spreads rapidly in schools and daycare centers.” Health experts have urged the public to get vaccinated, wash their hands and take precautions to help prevent the spread of the flu.
