Abstract
This report summarizes influenza activity in Canada during the 2012-13 influenza season (August 26, 2012-August 24, 2013) from data obtained through the FluWatch surveillance program. FluWatch collected information from six primary indicators of influenza activity that describe the epidemiologic and virologic behaviour of influenza in Canada: sentinel laboratory-based influenza detections; strain characterization and antiviral resistance for circulating influenza viruses; primary care consultation rates of influenza-like illness; regional influenza activity levels; influenza-associated severe outcomes; and pharmacy surveillance. The influenza season peaked nationally between late December 2012 and early January 2013 with influenza A(H3N2) identified as the predominant circulating influenza strain until early March, when influenza B became the predominant circulating strain. The cumulative reported hospitalization rates for all age groups were 25.0 per 100,000. Influenza A most greatly affected adults ≥65 years of age and influenza B most greatly affected children ≤19 years of age. The influenza season was moderately severe. When compared to the previous two seasons, which were considered relatively mild, there was a significant increase in laboratory detections for influenza, as well as hospitalizations associated with influenza in 2012-13.
Highlights
Influenza is a respiratory infection usually caused by influenza A or B viruses
When compared to the previous two seasons, which were considered relatively mild, there was a significant increase in laboratory detections for influenza, as well as hospitalizations associated with influenza in 2012-13
National influenza surveillance is coordinated through the FluWatch program of the Centre for Immunization and Respiratory Infectious Diseases (CIRID) at the Public Health Agency of Canada
Summary
Influenza is a respiratory infection usually caused by influenza A or B viruses. In Canada, it generally occurs each year during the late fall and winter months. Influenza infection causes primary illness and can lead to severe secondary medical complications, including viral pneumonia, secondary bacterial pneumonia and worsening of underlying medical conditions. National influenza surveillance is coordinated through the FluWatch program of the Centre for Immunization and Respiratory Infectious Diseases (CIRID) at the Public Health Agency of Canada. The primary objectives of this program are early detection and timely reporting of influenza activity in Canada and abroad as well as monitoring circulating strains of influenza virus such as antigenic characterization, identification of new subtypes and changes in antiviral resistance
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