Compare to the live page

Archived snapshot

FluWatch report: November 5, 2017 to November 11, 2017 (week 45) - Canada.ca

2025-04-19T14:16:32.634Z · legacy-hc-2025-04-21

ID 152503

Original URL ↗

Live page

Live fetch

2026-02-01T11:07:54.647Z

Status: 200 · Type: text/html;charset=utf-8 · Bytes: 90837

Final URL

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/fluwatch/2017-2018/week45-november-5-11-2017.html?wbdisable=false

Independent archive · Descriptive changes only; the live page is not archived. Cite the snapshot (/cite).

Fetch live diff again View snapshot

1 sections changedMain contentChange ratio: 0%+0 / -1 lines1 sections changed

Word-level highlighting (experimental)High contrast mode

FluWatch report: November 5, 2017 to November 11, 2017 (week 45)

Influenza activity crossed the seasonal threshold in week 45, indicating the beginning of the influenza season at the national level.

The number and percentage of laboratory tests positive for both influenza A and B is higher for this time of year compared to previous seasons. The majority of influenza detections continue to be A(H3N2) although an elevated number of influenza B detections have also been reported.

The number of influenza-related hospitalizations and regions reporting sporadic and localized activity are above the expected levels for this time of year.

For more information on the flu, see our

Flu(influenza)

web page.

On this page

Influenza/ILI Activity (geographic spread)

Laboratory Confirmed Influenza Detections

Syndromic/Influenza-like Illness Surveillance

Influenza Outbreak Surveillance

Severe Outcomes Influenza Surveillance

Influenza Strain Characterizations

Antiviral Resistance

Provincial and International Influenza Reports

FluWatch definitions for the 2017-2018 season

Influenza/Influenza-like Illness Activity (geographic spread)

In week 45, six regions in Alberta (5) and Ontario (1) reported localized activity, and 22 regions (British Columbia (4), Saskatchewan (2), Ontario (5), Quebec (5), New Brunswick (2), Nova Scotia (1), Prince Edward Island (1), Newfoundland and Labrador (1) and Yukon (1)) reported sporadic activity. Consistent with the increased number of influenza detections this season, a greater number of regions are reporting sporadic activity compared to previous seasons. In week 45, the number of regions reporting localized activity was above expected levels.

Download the alternative format

(PDF format, 1089 KB, 8 pages)

Organization:

Public Health Agency of Canada

Date published:

2017-11-17

Flu (influenza)

Influenza surveillance

Figure 1 – Map of overall influenza/ILI activity level by province and territory, Canada, 2017-18, Week 45

Note:

Influenza/ILI activity levels, as represented on this map, are assigned and reported by Provincial and Territorial Ministries of Health, based on laboratory confirmations, sentinel ILI rates and reported outbreaks. Please refer to detailed definitions at the end of the report. Maps from previous weeks, including any retrospective updates, are available in the mapping feature found in the

Weekly Influenza Reports

Figure 1 - Text Description

Figure 1 - Map of overall influenza/ILI activity level by province and territory, Canada

Influenza Surveillance Region

Activity Level

Newfoundland - Central

No Activity

Newfoundland - Eastern

Sporadic

Grenfell Labrador

No Activity

Newfoundland - Western

No Activity

Prince Edward Island

Sporadic

Nova Scotia - Central (Zone 4)

No Activity

Nova Scotia - Western (Zone 1)

No Activity

Nova Scotia - Northern (Zone 2)

No Activity

Nova Scotia - Eastern (Zone 3)

Sporadic

New Brunswick - Public Health Region 1

Sporadic

New Brunswick - Public Health Region 2

Sporadic

New Brunswick - Public Health Region 3

No Activity

New Brunswick - Public Health Region 4

No Activity

New Brunswick - Public Health Region 5

No Activity

New Brunswick - Public Health Region 6

No Activity

New Brunswick - Public Health Region 7

No Activity

Nord-est Québec

No Activity

Québec et Chaudieres-Appalaches

Sporadic

Centre-du-Québec

Sporadic

Montréal et Laval

Sporadic

Ouest-du-Québec

Sporadic

Montérégie

Sporadic

Ontario - Central East

Sporadic

Ontario - Central West

Sporadic

Ontario - Eastern

Sporadic

Ontario - North East

Localized

Ontario - North West

No Activity

Ontario - South West

Sporadic

Ontario - Toronto

Sporadic

Manitoba - Interlake-Eastern

No Data

Manitoba - Northern Regional

No Data

Manitoba - Prairie Mountain

No Data

Manitoba - South

No Data

Manitoba - Winnipeg

No Data

Saskatchewan - North

No Activity

Saskatchewan - Central

Sporadic

Saskatchewan - South

Sporadic

Alberta - North Zone

Localized

Alberta - Edmonton

Localized

Alberta - Central Zone

Localized

Alberta - Calgary

Localized

Alberta - South Zone

Localized

British Columbia - Interior

Sporadic

British Columbia - Fraser

Sporadic

British Columbia - Vancouver Coastal

Sporadic

British Columbia - Vancouver Island

Sporadic

British Columbia - Northern

No Activity

Yukon

Sporadic

Northwest Territories - North

No Activity

Northwest Territories - South

No Activity

Nunavut - Baffin

No Activity

Nunavut - Kivalliq

No Activity

Nunavut - Kitimeot

No Activity

Laboratory Confirmed Influenza Detections

In week 45, the number of both influenza A and B detections continued to increase, and the percentage of tests positive crossed the seasonal threshold of 5%. Laboratory detections of influenza have entered seasonal levels two weeks earlier than the median of the past seven seasons. The number and percentage of both influenza A and B tests positive is higher for this time of year compared to the same period during the previous seven seasons. Influenza B detections are elevated at 1% of tests positive in week 45; a level not typically reached until late January. For data on other respiratory virus detections, see the

Respiratory Virus Detections in Canada Report

Figure 2 – Number of positive influenza tests and percentage of tests positive, by type, subtype and report week, Canada, 2017-18, weeks 35 to 45

The shaded area indicates weeks where the positivity rate was at least 5% and a minimum of 15 positive tests were observed, signalling the period of

seasonal influenza activity

Figure 2 - Text Description

Figure 2 - Number of positive influenza tests and percentage of tests positive, by type, subtype and report week, Canada, 2017-18

Report Week

A(Unsubtyped)

A(H3)

A(H1)pdm09

Influenza B

107

113

143

To date this season, 1186 laboratory-confirmed influenza detections have been reported, of which 86% have been influenza A. Influenza A(H3N2) has been the most common subtype detected this season, representing 95% of subtyped influenza A detections. For more detailed weekly and cumulative influenza data, see the text descriptions for Figures 2 and 3 or the

Respiratory Virus Detections in Canada Report

Figure 3 – Cumulative numbers of positive influenza specimens by type/subtype and province/territory, Canada, 2017-18, week 45

Figure 3 - Text Description

Figure 3 - Cumulative numbers of positive influenza specimens by type/subtype and province/territory, Canada, 2017-18

Reporting

provinces

Table Figure 3 - Footnote

Week (November 5, 2017 to November 11, 2017)

Cumulative (August 27, 2017 to November 11, 2017)

Influenza A

A & B

Total

(H1)pdm09

(H3)

A(UnS)

Table Figure 3 - Footnote

Total

(H1)pdm09

(H3)

A(UnS)

Table Figure 3 - Footnote

Total

164

134

188

148

108

510

392

106

591

125

140

109

Canada

213

141

1023

678

306

163

1186

Percentage

Table Figure 3 - Footnote

83%

66%

31%

17%

86%

66%

30%

14%

100%

Table Figure 3 - Footnote 1

Specimens from NT, YT, and NU are sent to reference laboratories in other provinces.

Return to Table Figure 3 - Footnote

referrer

Table Figure 3 - Footnote 2

Percentage of tests positive for sub-types of influenza A are a percentage of all influenza A detections.

Return to Table Figure 3 - Footnote

referrer

Table Figure 3 - Footnote 3

Unsubtyped: The specimen was typed as influenza A, but no result for subtyping was available.

Return to

first

Table Figure 3 - Footnote

referrer

Discrepancies in values in Figures 2 and 3 may be attributable to differing data sources.

Cumulative data includes updates to previous weeks.

To date this season, detailed information on age and type/subtype has been received for 1009 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases (

Table 1

). Among all influenza cases with reported age and type/subtype information, slightly less than half of the cases have been reported in adults 65 years of age and older. This proportion was higher among cases of influenza A (50%) compared to influenza B (33%).

Table 1 - Cumulative numbers of positive influenza specimens by type, subtype and age-group reported through case-based laboratory reporting, Canada, 2017-18, weeks 35 to 45

Age groups (years)

Cumulative (November 5, 2017 to November 11, 2017)

Influenza A

Influenza A and B

A Total

A(H1) pdm09

A(H3)

A (UnS)

Table 1 Footnote

Total

0-4

5-19

10%

20-44

150

173

17%

45-64

165

103

194

19%

65+

435

352

479

47%

Total

874

620

221

135

1009

100%

Table 1 Footnote 1

UnS: unsubtyped: The specimen was typed as influenza A, but no result for subtyping was available;

Return to table 1 footnote

referrer

Syndromic/Influenza-like Illness Surveillance

Healthcare Professionals Sentinel Syndromic Surveillance

In week 45, 1.2% of visits to healthcare professionals were due to influenza-like illness; a decrease compared to the previous week, and below the 5-year average.

Figure 4 - Percentage of visits for ILI reported by sentinels by report week, Canada, 2017-18, weeks 35 to 45

Number of Sentinels Reporting in Week 45: 115

The shaded area represents the maximum and minimum percentage of visits for ILI reported by week from seasons 2012-13 to 2017-18

Figure 4 - Text Description

Figure 4 - Percentage of visits for ILI reported by sentinels by report week, Canada, 2017-18

Report week

2017-18

Average

Min

Max

0.4%

0.8%

0.5%

1.2%

0.5%

0.8%

0.7%

1.0%

0.7%

0.9%

0.7%

1.0%

0.7%

1.1%

1.0%

1.4%

1.1%

0.9%

1.4%

1.2%

1.3%

0.9%

1.6%

1.8%

1.4%

0.9%

2.4%

1.6%

1.4%

1.0%

1.9%

1.8%

1.3%

1.0%

1.5%

1.3%

0.9%

1.6%

1.2%

1.3%

1.2%

1.5%

Participatory Syndromic Surveillance

FluWatchers is a participatory ILI surveillance system that relies on weekly voluntary submissions of syndromic information from Canadians across Canada.

In week 45, 1300 participants reported to FluWatchers, of which 2% reported symptoms of cough and fever in the preceding week and 29% of these consulted a healthcare professional. Among participants who reported cough and fever, 68% reported days missed from work or school, resulting in a combined total of 43 missed days.

Table 2 – Summary of influenza-like illness symptoms reported by participating Canadians, Canada, 2017-18, week 45

Number of Participants Reporting

Percentage participants reporting Cough and Fever

Percentage of participants with cough and fever who consulted a healthcare professional Facilities

Percentage of participants with cough and fever who reported missed days from work or school

Number of missed days from work or school

1300

29%

68%

Influenza Outbreak Surveillance

In week 45, 8 new laboratory-confirmed influenza outbreaks were reported: three in hospitals, one in a long-term care facility, and four in other settings. Among the seven outbreaks with influenza type/subtype reported, all were associated with influenza A(H3N2).

To date this season, 26 influenza/ILI outbreaks have been reported, of which 9 occurred in LTC facilities. Among the 19 outbreaks for which the influenza type/subtype was reported, 15 were associated with influenza A (of which 13 were A(H3N2)), three were associated with influenza B, and one was associated with a mix of A(H3N2) and B. The number of outbreaks to date is within the expected range for this time of year.

Figure 5 - Number of new outbreaks of laboratory-confirmed influenza by report week, Canada, 2017-18, weeks 35 to 45

Figure 5 - Text Description

Figure 5 - Cumulative numbers of pediatric hospitalizations (≤16 years of age) with influenza by type and age-group reported by the IMPACT network, Canada, 2017-18

Report week

Hospitals

Long Term Care Facilities

Other

Severe Outcomes Influenza Surveillance

Provincial/Territorial Influenza Hospitalizations and Deaths

In week 45, 25 influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported by participating provinces and territories

Footnote

To date this season, 211 influenza-associated hospitalizations have been reported, 92% of which were associated with influenza A, and 152 cases (72%) were in adults 65 years of age or older. The number of cases is considerably elevated relative to this period in the previous two seasons. Nine ICU admissions and five deaths have been reported.

Figure 6 - Cumulative numbers of hospitalizations by age-group reported by participating provinces and territories, 2017-18

Figure 6 - Text Description

Cumulative numbers of hospitalizations by age-group reported by participating provinces and territories, 2017-18

Age Group

Total

0-4 yr

5-19 yr

20-44 yr

45-64 yr

65+ yr

152

Footnote 1

Influenza-associated hospitalizations are reported by NL, PE, NS, NB, MB, AB, YT and NT. Only hospitalizations that require intensive medical care are reported by SK.

Return to footnote

referrer

Pediatric Influenza Hospitalizations and Deaths

In week 45, three laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated pediatric (≤16 years of age) hospitalizations were reported by the Immunization Monitoring Program Active (IMPACT) network.

To date this season, 20 pediatric hospitalizations have been reported by the IMPACT network, 17 of which were associated with influenza A. Seven ICU admissions and no deaths have been reported. The number of hospitalizations reported this season has been similar compared to the same period in recent seasons in which influenza A(H3N2) was the predominant circulating subtype (2014-15, 2016-17).

Figure 7 - Cumulative numbers of pediatric hospitalizations (≤16 years of age) with influenza by type and age-group reported by the IMPACT network, Canada, 2017-18 weeks 35-45

Figure 7 - Text Description

Cumulative numbers of pediatric hospitalizations (≤16 years of age) with influenza by type and age-group reported by the IMPACT network, Canada, 2017-18

Age Group

Total

0-5 mo

6-23 mo

2-4 yr

5-9 yr

10-16 yr

Figure 8 - Number of pediatric hospitalizations (≤16 years of age) with influenza reported by the IMPACT network, by week, Canada, 2017-18 weeks 35-45

Figure 8 - Text Description

Figure 8 - Number of pediatric hospitalizations (≤16 years of age) with influenza reported by the IMPACT network, by week, Canada, 2017-18 weeks 35-45

Report Week

2017-2018

Average

Min

Max

Influenza Strain Characterizations

During the 2017-18 influenza season, the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) has characterized 69 influenza viruses [52 A(H3N2), 6 A(H1N1)pdm09 and 11 B viruses] that were received from Canadian laboratories.

Antigenic Characterization

Among influenza viruses characterized by hemagglutination inhibition assay during the 2017-18 season, all viruses were antigenically similar to the cell-culture propagated reference strains recommended by WHO.

Table 3 - Influenza antigenic strain characterizations, Canada, 2017-18 weeks 35-45

Strain Characterization Results

Count

Description

Influenza A (H3N2)

A/Hong Kong/4801/2014-like

Viruses antigenically similar to A/Hong Kong/4801/2014, the A(H3N2) component of the 2017-18 Northern Hemisphere's trivalent and quadrivalent vaccine.

Influenza A (H1N1)

A/Michigan/45/2015-like

Viruses antigenically similar to A/Michigan/45/2015, the A(H1N1) component of the 2017-18 Northern Hemisphere's trivalent and quadrivalent influenza vaccine.

Influenza B

B/Brisbane/60/2008-like

(Victoria lineage)

Viruses antigenically similar to B/Brisbane/60/2008, the influenza B component of the 2017-18 Northern Hemisphere’s trivalent and quadrivalent influenza vaccine.

B/Phuket/3073/2013-like

(Yamagata lineage)

Viruses antigenically similar to B/Phuket/3073/2013, the additional influenza B component of the 2017-18 Northern Hemisphere quadrivalent influenza vaccine.

Genetic Characterization of A(H3N2) viruses

During the 2017-18 season, 44 A(H3N2) viruses did not grow to sufficient titers for antigenic characterization by HI assay. Therefore, genetic characterization was performed to determine to which genetic group they belong. Sequence analysis showed that 32 H3N2 viruses belonged to genetic group 3C.2a and 12 viruses belonged to subclade 3C.2a1.

Additionally, of the eight influenza A(H3N2) viruses that were characterized antigenically as similar to A/Hong Kong/4801/2014, six belonged to genetic group 3C.2a and two viruses belonged to subclade 3C.2a1.

A/Hong Kong/4801/2014-like virus belongs to genetic group 3C.2a and is the influenza A/H3N2 component of the 2017-18 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine.

Antiviral Resistance

During the 2017-18 season, the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) has tested 83 influenza viruses for resistance to oseltamivir and zanamivir, and all viruses were sensitive (

Table 4

Table 4 - Antiviral resistance by influenza virus type and subtype, Canada, 2017-18 weeks 35-45

Virus type and subtype

Oseltamivir

Zanamivir

# tested

# resistant (%)

# tested

# resistant (%)

A (H3N2)

0 (0%)

A (H1N1)

0 (0%)

TOTAL

0 (0%)

Note: Since the 2009 pandemic, all circulating influenza A viruses have been resistant to amantadine, and it is therefore not currently recommended for use in the treatment of influenza. During the 2017-18 season, the subset of influenza A viruses that were tested for resistance to amantadine were resistant.

Provincial and International Influenza Reports

World Health Organization influenza update

World Health Organization FluNet

WHO Influenza at the human-animal interface

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention seasonal influenza report

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control - epidemiological data

South Africa Influenza surveillance report

New Zealand Public Health Surveillance

Australia Influenza Report

Pan-American Health Organization Influenza Situation Report

Alberta Health - Influenza Surveillance Report

BC - Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) - Influenza Surveillance

New Brunswick - Influenza Surveillance Reports

Newfoundland and Labrador - Surveillance and Disease Reports

Nova Scotia - Flu Information

Public Health Ontario - Ontario Respiratory Pathogen Bulletin

Quebec - Système de surveillance de la grippe

Manitoba - Epidemiology and Surveillance - Influenza Reports

Saskatchewan - influenza Reports

PEI - Influenza Summary

FluWatch definitions for the 2017-2018 season

The FluWatch report is compiled from a number of data sources. Surveillance information contained in this report is a reflection of the surveillance data available to FluWatch at the time of production. Delays in reporting of data may cause data to change retrospectively

Influenza/Influenza-like Illness (ILI) Activity

Influenza/ILI activity levels, as represented on the map, are assigned and reported by Provincial and Territorial Ministries of Health, based on laboratory confirmations, primary care consultations for ILI and reported outbreaks. ILI data may be reported through sentinel physicians, emergency room visits or health line telephone calls, and the detemination of an increase is based on the assessment of the provincial/territorial epidemiologist. Maps from previous weeks, including any retrospective updates, are available in the mapping feature found in the

Weekly Influenza Reports

Influenza/ILI activity level

1 = No activity:

no laboratory-confirmed influenza detections in the reporting week, however, sporadically occurring ILI may be reported

2 = Sporadic:

sporadically occurring ILI and lab confirmed influenza detection(s) with

no outbreaks

detected within the influenza surveillance region

Footnote

†

3 = Localized:

evidence of increased ILI

Footnote

and

lab confirmed influenza detection(s) together with

outbreaks

in schools, hospitals, residential institutions and/or other types of facilities occurring in

less than 50% of the influenza surveillance region

Footnote

†

4 = Widespread:

evidence of increased ILI

Footnote

and

lab confirmed influenza detection(s) together with

outbreaks

in schools, hospitals, residential institutions and/or other types of facilities occurring

in greater than or equal to 50% of the influenza surveillance region

Footnote

†

Footnote *

More than just sporadic as determined by the provincial/territorial epidemiologist.

Return to footnote

referrer

Footnote †

Influenza surveillance regions within the province or territory as defined by the provincial/territorial epidemiologist.

Return to footnote

†

referrer

Laboratory-Confirmed Influenza Detections

Provincial, regional and some hospital laboratories report the weekly number of tests and detections of influenza and other respiratory viruses. Provincial public health laboratories submit demographic information for cases of influenza. This case-level data represents a subset of influenza detections reported through aggregate reporting. Specimens from NT, YT, and NU are sent to reference laboratories in the provinces for testing. Cumulative data includes updates to previous weeks. Discrepancies in values in Figures 2 and 3 may be attributable to differing data sources.

Syndromic/Influenza-like Illness Surveillance

FluWatch maintains a network of primary care practitioners who report the weekly proportion of ILI cases seen in their practice. Independent sentinel networks in BC, AB, and SK compile their data for reporting to FluWatch. Not all sentinel physicians report every week.

Definition of Influenza-like-illness (ILI):

Acute onset of respiratory illness with fever and cough and with one or more of the following - sore throat, arthralgia, myalgia, or prostration which is likely due to influenza. In children under 5 years of age, gastrointestinal symptoms may also be present. In patients under 5 or 65 years and older, fever may not be prominent.

Influenza Outbreak Surveillance

Outbreaks of influenza or ILI are reported from all provinces and territories, according to the definitions below. However, reporting of outbreaks of influenza/ILI from different types of facilities differs between jurisdictions. All provinces and territories with the exception of NU report influenza outbreaks in long-term care facilities. All provinces and territories with the exception of NU and QC report outbreaks in hospitals.

Outbreak definitions:

Schools:

Greater than 10% absenteeism (or absenteeism that is higher (e.g. >5-10%) than expected level as determined by school or public health authority) which is likely due to ILI.

Hospitals and residential institutions:

two or more cases of ILI within a seven-day period, including at least one laboratory-confirmed case of influenza. Residential institutions include but are not limited to long-term care facilities (LTCF) and prisons.

Workplace:

Greater than 10% absenteeism on any day which is most likely due to ILI.

Other settings:

two or more cases of ILI within a seven-day period, including at least one laboratory-confirmed case of influenza; i.e. closed communities.

Serious Outcome Influenza Surveillance

Provincial/Territorial Influenza Hospitalizations and Deaths

Influenza-associated hospitalizations and deaths are reported by 8 Provincial and Territorial Ministries of Health (excluding BC, NU, ON and QC). The hospitalization or death does not have to be attributable to influenza, a positive laboratory test is sufficient for reporting. Only hospitalizations that require intensive medical care are reported by SK.

Due to changes in participating provinces and territories, comparisons to previous years should be done with caution.

Pediatric Influenza Hospitalizations and Deaths

The Immunization Monitoring Program Active (IMPACT) network reports the weekly number of hospitalizations with influenza among children admitted to one of the 12 participating paediatric hospitals in 8 provinces. These represent a subset of all influenza-associated pediatric hospitalizations in Canada.

Influenza Strain Characterizations and Antiviral Resistance

Provincial public health laboratories send a subset of influenza virus isolates to the National Microbiology Laboratory for strain characterization and antiviral resistance. These represent a subset of all influenza detections in Canada and the proportion of isolates of each type and subtype is not necessarily representative of circulating viruses.

Antigenic strain characterization data reflect the results of hemagglutination inhibition (HI) testing compared to the reference influenza strains recommended by

WHO

. Genetic strain characterization data are based on analysis of the sequence of the viral hemagglutinin (HA) gene.

Antiviral resistance testing is conducted by phenotypic and genotypic methods on influenza virus isolates submitted to the National Microbiology Laboratory. All isolates are tested for oseltamivir and zanamivir and a subset are tested for resistance to amantadine.

Abbreviations:

Newfoundland/Labrador (NL), Prince Edward Island (PE), New Brunswick (NB), Nova Scotia (NS), Quebec (QC), Ontario (ON), Manitoba (MB), Saskatchewan (SK), Alberta (AB), British Columbia (BC), Yukon (YT), Northwest Territories (NT), Nunavut (NU).

This

report

is available on the Government of Canada Influenza webpage.

rapport

est disponible dans les deux langues officielles.

We would like to thank all the Fluwatch surveillance partners who are participating in this year's influenza surveillance program.

Page details

Date modified:

2017-11-28