Ontario health experts are warning that this year ‘s flu season could be “exceptionally severe” for Ontario and across Canada, with the highest infection rates expected among children.<\/p>\n
According to local English-language media CP24, the latest monitoring data from the Ontario Public Health Agency (PHO) shows that as of the end of October, influenza cases in the province had increased by 1.8% compared to the previous week, with a total of 3 outbreaks, 14 hospitalizations, and 129 confirmed cases reported.<\/p>\n
Provincial health authorities predict that influenza activity will intensify further in early November, with the highest infection rate expected among children. The situation is similar across the country. Data from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) shows that about 2% of flu tests were positive nationwide last week. Although this is still below the 5% threshold for seasonal flu outbreaks, the upward trend is evident.<\/p>\n
Data shows that about 1.5% of Australians have contracted the flu, up nearly 11% from the same period last year, while the vaccination rate for children has fallen to just one-quarter, the lowest level since 2021.However, PHAC emphasizes that the situation in the Southern Hemisphere does not necessarily predict the trend in Canada, as the spread of influenza also depends on a variety of factors such as virus subtype, climate, and immune levels.<\/p>\n
Currently, the main circulating influenza strains in Canada are H1N1 and H3N2, each accounting for about half. Experts point out that H3N2 often triggers a more severe flu season, posing the greatest threat to infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, because this strain has mutated outside of vaccine coverage, and the body lacks immune memory, thus making it more contagious.<\/p>\n
Ontario infectious disease expert Dr. Isaac Bogoch stated that H3N2 often leads to more severe flu seasons, and while some H3N2 strains have shown resistance to existing vaccines, vaccination remains an “extremely important” protective measure. “While vaccines are not perfect, they can still significantly reduce the risk of infection and complications,” he said.<\/p>\n
Flu season has started early in England and Ireland, with both countries reporting significant increases in cases. Experts predict that Canada’s flu peak may occur between the end of December and January.<\/p>\n
The two experts concluded by saying that despite the fierce flu outbreak, the basic preventative measures remain unchanged: stay home from work or school when you’re sick, wash your hands frequently, and get a flu shot\u2014these are the essential defenses that must be maintained every year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"