With an increase in flu cases in Canada, health experts are preparing for a challenging influenza season due to the global spread of an evolving H3N2 strain that may not match this year’s vaccine. Recent federal data indicates a rise in influenza cases, although it has not yet reached the threshold for Canada to declare a seasonal flu epidemic.
The Southern Hemisphere experienced a surge in flu cases, setting record numbers, signaling a potentially severe season ahead for Canada. Dr. Jesse Papenburg from the Montreal Children’s Hospital and McGill University Health Centre highlighted the above-average influenza detections in the Southern Hemisphere for the second consecutive year, suggesting a severe flu season may occur in Canada.
Australia reported over 410,000 lab-confirmed flu cases, marking a second consecutive record high flu year. Similarly, the U.K. witnessed an early flu season with cases three times higher than the previous year. Japan has already declared a flu epidemic and closed schools due to early flu arrivals, possibly linked to a mutating H3N2 strain.
Dr. Danuta Skowronski from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control noted significant structural changes in the H3N2 subtype, potentially leading to a mismatch with the current flu vaccine. While it is too early to predict the severity of the upcoming flu season in Canada, health officials are closely monitoring global respiratory virus activity for potential impacts.
The dominance of the mutated H3N2 virus is expected to lead to a severe epidemic, particularly affecting older adults. Dr. Allison McGeer from Sinai Health System in Toronto cautioned that H3N2 seasons tend to be the most severe, with higher hospitalizations and fatalities among older adults. Despite potential vaccine mismatches, experts urge Canadians to get vaccinated, especially seniors.
As flu season approaches, health officials advise Canadians to consider getting flu shots along with other seasonal vaccines, such as COVID-19 vaccines and respiratory syncytial virus shots. Seasonal immunization clinics are already operational across various provinces, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures against potential severe flu outbreaks.