Canada Logs 2,102 Flu Detections as Alberta Reports 1 Death and 400-Plus Cases
Updated
Updated · CBC Sports · Oct 9
Canada Logs 2,102 Flu Detections as Alberta Reports 1 Death and 400-Plus Cases
3 articles · Updated · CBC Sports · Oct 9
Summary
2,102 influenza detections have been recorded across Canada since late August, with test positivity at 3.7% in late September versus a 0.5% average for this time of year.
Alberta has reported more than 400 confirmed cases and one death in the Calgary area before vaccines are widely available there, underscoring the early-season pressure in some regions.
About 98% of confirmed cases are H1N1, which experts say usually causes milder illness than H3N2 even though it can still drive large outbreaks.
B.C., Yukon, Toronto and Calgary are driving much of the current increase, while doctors warn Thanksgiving gatherings could spread the virus further into schools and workplaces.
Most provinces are opening flu and COVID-19 shots to the public by mid- to late October, and experts say this year's flu vaccine appears to be a good match.
With Canada's flu season arriving shockingly early and targeting young adults, could upcoming holiday gatherings trigger a massive, unprecedented nationwide outbreak?
Can the currently available, perfectly matched flu vaccines outpace the rapid spread of H1N1 before it mutates into a more dangerous threat?