Health Officials Warn of Severe Flu Season Ahead

Health experts are sounding the alarm that this year’s flu season may be more severe than in previous years. Data from Australia, where the flu season begins earlier, indicates rising infection rates and an increase in severe cases. Such trends often foreshadow what could happen in countries like Canada as the flu season progresses.

According to Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch, the likelihood of a challenging flu season is high. “Australia had two tough ones in a row, including the most recent one. We’re probably in for a tough one,” he stated. He noted that other northern hemisphere countries are also experiencing a surge in the H3N2 strain of the virus, which is a subtype of Influenza A.

Current data from Health Canada shows that flu test results are just three percent below the threshold for a flu epidemic. This year, the flu vaccine has been formulated to protect against prominent strains, including H1N1 and H3N2. While it remains uncertain whether H3N2 will dominate this season, past trends suggest that seasons dominated by H3N2 can be more severe.

Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination, although there are challenges in predicting how well the vaccines will match circulating strains. “The reality is we try to predict what the circulating strains will be and try to mimic that in the vaccines, but that will always be subject to change,” explained Dr. Dale Kalina Samji, another infectious disease specialist. He added that getting vaccinated is vital, as it provides some level of protection regardless of the match with the virus.

Timing is crucial for vaccination. According to Kyro Maseh, owner of Rylander Pharmasave, “It takes time for the actual immunity to ramp up after you’ve taken the vaccine.” He noted that flu cases typically surge around Christmas, leading to increased hospitalizations in February. Maseh highlighted a concerning trend of vaccination fatigue, which could contribute to the severity of the flu this season.

Those most vulnerable to severe complications from the flu include young children, seniors, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. “The most important thing to remember about respiratory virus season is that we have multiple respiratory viruses, several of which are preventable with vaccines,” said Dr. Samji. He noted that in addition to influenza, vaccines are available for other respiratory viruses such as RSV and COVID-19.

Everyone aged six months and older is eligible for the flu vaccine. Health officials are also urging Canadians to adopt preventive measures, including frequent handwashing, staying home when ill, and wearing masks in crowded settings. As the flu season approaches, proactive steps can help mitigate the impact on individuals and the healthcare system.