Public Health Agency of Canada
www.publichealth.gc.ca
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FluWatch Quick Links
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Isolations - Weekly FluWatch Reports Archive
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Overall Influenza Summary
- Influenza activity in Canada is starting to increase in more regions compared to previous weeks
- Three regions (within BC, AB) reported localized influenza activity and eight regions (within BC, AB, SK, ON, QC & NB) reported sporadic influenza activity
- Three outbreaks of influenza or ILI were reported this week
- In week 48, 16 laboratory detections of influenza were reported (9 A/H3, 1 A/H1, 2 A unsubtyped and 4 B)
- Three influenza hospitalizations were reported this week (2 paediatric and 1 adult)
- The national ILI consultation rate increased slightly from previous weeks 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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