Influenza activity declining nationally

On a national scale, influenza activity continued to decrease this past week.

Indicators of RSV activity were either increasing or stable, and indicators of COVID-19 activity were decreasing or stable.

Between November and January, the Canadian Sentinel Practitioner Surveillance Network estimates that the risk of medically-attended influenza A(H3N2) illness was reduced by 40% among vaccinated relative to unvaccinated individuals.

Tips to Help Reduce the Spread of Illnesses:

• Get vaccinated each year. The flu shot is the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection and serious illness.

• Stay home when sick, especially if you have fever, cough, sore throat, body aches or fatigue.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when handwashing isn’t possible.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands. Dispose of tissues immediately.

• Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose and mouth, to prevent germs from entering your body.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, phones, keyboards and countertops.

• Keep physical distance from people who are sick and avoid crowded indoor spaces when flu activity is high.

• Wear a mask if you are ill or caring for someone who has flu-like symptoms, especially in indoor settings.

• Improve indoor ventilation by opening windows or using air filtration where possible.

• Practice good respiratory hygiene by washing hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

• Maintain healthy habits such as getting enough sleep, eating well and staying physically active to support your immune system.

• Follow public health guidance during flu season, especially in schools, workplaces and long-term care settings.