Key Takeaways
- The H3N2 strain of the influenza virus is spreading rapidly in the United States, with 32.9% of flu tests coming back positive in the latest data.
- The dominant strain in the U.S. and Canada this year is called H3N2 subclade K.
- Experts warn that this could be a sign of things to come for the flu season in Canada, with new federal data set to be released.
- The hospitalization rate in the U.S. has increased, with 31.3 per 100,000 of population being hospitalized due to the flu.
- Canadians should be cautious in the weeks coming out of the holidays, as data suggests that the country is having an incredibly bad flu season.
Introduction to the Flu Season
The flu season is in full swing, and the latest data from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is causing concern. The H3N2 strain of the influenza virus is spreading rapidly, with 32.9% of flu tests coming back positive for the week ending December 27. This is a significant increase from the previous week, where the positivity rate was 25.6%. The CDC reports that the most frequently reported influenza viruses this week were influenza A(H3N2), which is the dominant strain in both the U.S. and Canada this year.
The Impact on Hospitalization Rates
The rapid spread of the H3N2 strain has led to an increase in hospitalization rates in the United States. According to the CDC, the hospitalization rate has increased to 31.3 per 100,000 of population, up from 22.9 the week before. This has resulted in a significant number of Americans being hospitalized due to the flu, with 33,301 people being admitted to hospital for the week ending December 27, compared to 19,035 the week before. Furthermore, nearly 1% of all deaths reported in the U.S. that week were attributed to influenza, including the death of a child.
The Situation in Canada
The situation in Canada is also causing concern, with data suggesting that the country is having an incredibly bad flu season. Dr. Fahad Razak, an internal medicine physician at St. Michael’s Hospital and professor at the University of Toronto, warns that Canadians should be cautious in the weeks coming out of the holidays. He notes that data from other countries, including parts of Europe, the United States, Australia, and Japan, suggests that this could be one of the worst flu seasons on record. The rate of hospitalization from influenza in Canada has nearly doubled compared to the previous week of available data, with infections now up almost 30%.
The Latest Data
The latest data from Health Canada shows that for the week ending December 13, Canada saw 11,646 new cases of flu detected, which means 27.7% of all tests conducted in the country came out positive. This is a significant increase from previous weeks, and experts warn that the situation could worsen in the coming weeks. The dominant strain in Canada this year is also the H3N2 subclade K, which is the same strain that is causing concern in the United States. As the flu season continues to unfold, it is essential for Canadians to take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from the virus.
Conclusion and Precautions
In conclusion, the flu season is shaping up to be a severe one, with the H3N2 strain spreading rapidly in both the United States and Canada. The increase in hospitalization rates and deaths attributed to influenza is a cause for concern, and experts warn that the situation could worsen in the coming weeks. It is essential for individuals to take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from the virus, including getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and staying home when sick. By taking these precautions, we can help to mitigate the spread of the flu and reduce the risk of serious illness and death. As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial to stay informed and follow the latest guidance from health authorities to stay safe and healthy during the flu season.