Weekly influenza reports

March 7, 2021 to March 20, 2021 (weeks 10-11)

• All indicators of influenza activity remain exceptionally low for this time of year, despite continued monitoring for influenza across Canada.
• To date this season, there has been no evidence of community circulation of influenza despite continued testing above seasonal levels. Influenza activity has remained below the threshold required to declare the start of the 2020-21 influenza season.
• Three influenza-like-illness (ILI) outbreaks in schools and/or daycares were reported in weeks 10 to 11, for a total of 124 ILI outbreaks reported this season to date. No laboratory-confirmed outbreaks of influenza have been reported to date this season.
• 12,105 participants reported to FluWatchers and 19 (0.16%) participants reported cough and fever, which remains low compared to previous seasons. Provide valuable information to track flu and COVID-19 across Canada: Sign up to become a FluWatcher!
• The 2020-2021 Seasonal Influenza Immunization Coverage Survey showed that influenza vaccine coverage was similar to previous seasons.
• Influenza surveillance indicators are influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, including changes in healthcare-seeking behaviour, impacts of public health measures and influenza testing practices. Current data should be interpreted with consideration to this context. See the COVID-19 Epidemiology update for information on COVID-19 cases in Canada.
• Have you already forgotten what happened last flu season? Not to worry, FluWatch has got you covered! Check out the 2019-2020 FluWatch annual report for Canada’s official analysis on the entire 2019-2020 influenza season.