Manitoba’s top doctor warns of ‘very late surge’ of influenza A

Dr. Brent Roussin gives a vaccination update and talks about measles cases in the province.

Manitoba’s chief public health officer is reminding the public to get their seasonal flu shot amid a late flu season surge in influenza A.

Doctor Brent Roussin said in an interview Thursday on CTV Morning Live Winnipeg that a rise in influenza cases is not unusual, but the timing of this particular spike is.

“Like we see every year, we see complications with that. We see people hospitalized and see people in the ICU and unfortunately, we can even see deaths with influenza A.”

According to the province’s latest respiratory virus surveillance report, there have been 2,475 influenza A cases this flu season, compared to 2,511 recorded at this time last season.

However, last flu season’s peak arrived in December, while cases appear to be spiking this flu season in late February or early March.

Manitoba’s top doctor reminded the public that the seasonal flu shot is effective in protecting against the virus, as evidenced in the province’s ICUs.

According to Dr. Roussin, last year no one who had been vaccinated was admitted to the ICU with influenza A.

That trend is repeating this year, he said.

“We just don’t see people having severe complications who get that vaccine.”

Only about 23 per cent are vaccinated in the province, Dr. Roussin added, down from 25 per cent from this time last year.

Those over 65 years old are recording similar immunization numbers this year as compared to last—59 per cent in 2024 compared to 58 per cent in 2025.

Dr. Roussin said there’s still time to roll up your sleeve and get immunized, as a second wave is always possible.

“It’s not too late.”

- With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagacé