Weekly influenza reports

January 2, 2021 to January 8, 2022 (week 1)

• Influenza activity across Canada remains low for this time of year. There continue to be sporadic detections of influenza being reported; however, there remains no evidence of community circulation of influenza.

Virologic

• In week 01, a total of 27 influenza detections (26 influenza A and 1 influenza B) were reported.
• The number of laboratory detections of influenza have decreased in recent weeks. Current trends may be influenced by changes in laboratory testing practices.

Syndromic

• The percentage visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) was 2.2% in week 01. The percentage of visits ILI has been on an upward trend for the past few weeks.
• The percentage of FluWatchers reporting fever and cough was 1.1% in week 01. The percentage of participants reporting cough and fever in recent weeks has been at the highest level seen in the past two seasons.

Outbreaks

• In week 01, no outbreaks were reported.
• From August 29, 2021 to January 8, 2022 (weeks 35 to 01), 14 ILI outbreaks and no laboratory-confirmed influenza outbreaks have been reported.

Severe Outcomes

• From August 29, 2021 to January 8, 2022 (weeks 35 to 01), less than five influenza-associated hospitalizations have been reported from participating provinces and territories.