‘More infectious’ flu strain adds pressure as child cases rise

Epidemiologist Dr. Christopher Labos explains how the flu strain currently circulating is 'more infectious' and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

Canada’s flu season is starting early, with experts warning of higher case counts across the country.

Dr. Christopher Labos, an epidemiologist, said this year’s flu “does actually appear to be more infectious and more virulent,” noting in an interview with CTV News Channel that influenza usually peaks later in the season.

Labos highlighted the strain H3N2 as particularly infectious. He advised that “if you are sick, stay home.”

In Ottawa, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario told CTV News they saw more than 200 patients a day in its emergency department last week. “Unfortunately, we’ve seen deaths in the area and we’ve seen an overwhelming number of hospital visits and hospitalizations,” a spokesperson for the hospital said.

In a Dec. 24 report, British Columbia’s Centre for Disease Control reported “high levels (of positive influenza tests) observed in children,” with wastewater testing showing “recent signs of (an influenza) increase in most sites.”

On Wednesday, the IWK Health Centre in Halifax reported a “large increase in the number of children coming to the emergency department with flu-like symptoms.” In a Facebook post, the hospital went on to warn that children younger than five are at “higher risk for serious illness.”

‘It’s not too late’

In the week ending on Dec. 13, Health Canada reported a three-season high in positive tests, at 27.7 per cent.

READ MORE: Flu cases surge across Canada, public health agency reports

In a Dec. 19 interview, infectious disease specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch told CTVNews.ca that this year’s flu season is especially significant.

Dr. Bogoch said that of the three strains currently circulating, H3N2, the one that Dr. Labos highlighted, was predominant.

“Years that are H3N2 dominant tend to put more pressure on (the) health-care system,” Bogoch said on Friday.

He advised Canadians who have not yet received their flu shot to do so, saying it’s not too late.

H3N2 dominant globally

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Wednesday that H3N2 is “predominant in all zones except Tropical South America and Northern Africa.”

Around the world, the WHO said “influenza activity was elevated,” but ”detections were stable.”

The WHO’s report is based on data from the week ending on Dec. 14.