Flu activity rising across Canada, with early start to 2026-2027 season

OTTAWA — Canada is seeing a marked rise in seasonal influenza activity, and warnings are being issued that infections will keep spreading in the coming weeks as winter approaches and more gatherings move indoors.

Federal health surveillance data point to an early start to the 2026-2027 flu season compared with the usual timing, with a rising share of positive tests and signs of pressure on health institutions.

This comes as other respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are also circulating, which makes preventive measures more important, particularly for children, seniors and people at higher risk of complications.

Flu season starts early in Canada

The Public Health Agency of Canada announced that the current flu season officially began in the week ending October 10, 2026, which is early compared with some previous seasons.

The data showed a gradual increase in virus activity in the following weeks, with levels of spread differing among provinces and territories.

According to the national report for the week ending October 31, the percentage of influenza tests that were positive reached 10.8 per cent, compared with lower levels in earlier weeks.

National activity was then classified at a moderate level, with an upward trend that requires monitoring through November and December.

Authorities stressed that rates of spread vary by region, and it should not be assumed that all provinces face identical levels of infection.

More than 3,100 confirmed cases in one week

Health surveillance data recorded 3,146 positive laboratory detections of influenza in the week ending October 31.

Influenza A viruses accounted for about 98.4 per cent of positive results, compared with 1.6 per cent for influenza B.

The A(H1N1) subtype was the most common among samples that were subtyped.

Authorities also recorded 46 laboratory-confirmed influenza outbreaks in the same week.

These indicators show that the virus is spreading more widely, but they do not capture all actual infections, because many people who are sick are not tested in a laboratory.

Virus-related hospitalizations rise

The spread of influenza coincided with an increase in hospitalization rates linked to respiratory illness.

The national report showed that the weekly influenza-related hospitalization rate was 0.7 cases per 100,000 people in the week ending October 31.

Despite the rise in this indicator, authorities said the rate of severe cases remained low nationally during that period.

Respiratory illness surveillance systems also recorded an increase in hospitalizations linked to various respiratory viruses.

Health agencies are tracking the situation weekly to detect any change in the severity of infections or their effect on hospitals.

Seniors and children most at risk of complications

Influenza poses a greater risk to people aged 65 and over, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems.

The infection can cause fever, cough, muscle aches and fatigue, while some cases lead to pneumonia or complications that require hospital treatment.

People with severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain or signs of dehydration, are advised to seek urgent medical assessment.

Health authorities encourage vaccination

The Public Health Agency of Canada says the annual vaccine is one of the most important ways to reduce flu complications, especially among those at higher risk.

It also advises staying home when sick, washing hands regularly, improving ventilation and wearing a mask when needed to reduce transmission.

Flu vaccines are available through provincial and territorial health programs, with eligibility rules and locations differing among provinces.

Cases expected to rise through winter

Flu activity is expected to continue in the coming weeks, as temperatures fall and mixing increases in schools, workplaces and homes.

The Government of Canada published a new update of surveillance data on November 13, covering the week ending November 7, reflecting ongoing weekly monitoring of the epidemiological situation.

Authorities say monitoring positive test rates and hospitalizations is necessary to assess how the season is developing and to determine whether additional health measures are needed.