Influenza virus in early circulation

Nov 17, 2022 | 4:58 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Flu season has arrived, and much earlier than anticipated.

The Public Health Agency of Canada declared the country is under a flu epidemic, meaning there are increased incidents compared to normal data.

Dr. Vivien Suttorp, south zone’s lead medical officer of health for Alberta Health Services, says the typical peak during flu season is between the end of December and the end of January, but data is showing the influenza virus is spreading rapidly with a much higher circulation period.

Numbers reported are only reflecting those actually being tested for influenza, which historically has been low. This means the numbers may be much higher. Suttorp says this particular form of influenza affects certain populations more than others.

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“The strain that is circulating right now is influenza A, H3N2,” Suttorp says. “Now that particular strain is one of the four strains in the vaccine, but it is the strain that causes the most complications, the most illness in young individuals as well as elderly.”

Suttorp says influenza has no boundaries, and proper precautions should be taken to avoid instances we are currently seeing in the province, particularly with cases in Edmonton schools.

Suttorp is reminding those who are feeling sick with any symptoms to stay home, wash their hands and take advantage of the yearly flu vaccine, which is now available for children aged six months and older.

by Gates Guarin

Influenza virus in early circulation

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