Ottawa: Respiratory virus cases, including COVID-19 and influenza, are on the rise in Canada as the flu season begins. A growing number of people are seeking medical care with symptoms such as cough and fever.
According to the Canadian Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report released on Friday, test positivity rates have been climbing in recent weeks. COVID-19 positivity increased to 3.8 percent, while influenza cases rose to 3.7 percent. Data gathered through the government’s ‘FluWatchers’ program recorded a 1.5 percent increase in reported cough and fever symptoms.
The report, covering data up to September 26, notes that overall virus activity currently remains at a low level, with regional variations across provinces. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases remained steady at 0.2 percent, while enterovirus (EV) and rhinovirus (RV) detections are currently increasing.
Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist at Toronto General Hospital, noted that an uptick in respiratory viruses is typical as the country transitions into the fall season. Case numbers are expected to rise further in the coming weeks.
Seniors aged 65 and older account for 63 percent of positive COVID-19 cases and 55 percent of influenza cases. Meanwhile, more than half (52%) of RSV cases were recorded among children under four years of age.
Health experts remind the public that transmission risks can be mitigated by taking precautions such as getting vaccinated, staying home when symptomatic, wearing masks, and ensuring adequate indoor ventilation.
