What is FluWatchers?

FluWatchers is an online health monitoring platform that helps track the spread of flu and flu-like illness (like COVID-19) across Canada.  

Why is FluWatchers important? 

• Traditional ways of tracking diseases require a person to see a health care practitioner and get tested
• However, most people with mild flu-like symptoms don’t seek any medical care
• The FluWatchers program captures information on these individuals to get a better sense of flu-like illness in the community

Who can participate? 

• Anyone who lives in Canada can participate, and participants can also report on behalf of household members  

What do FluWatchers do?

• Volunteers answer a quick and anonymous questionnaire each week on whether they’ve had a cough or fever or were healthy

What data traditional disease tracking provides

• Death
• Severe illness
• Diagnosed illness

What data FluWatchers can provide

• Undiagnosed illness
• Mild illness
• Healthy