Influenza A(H3N2) and RSV Activity Still High in BC

The BCCDC’s latest Influenza Surveillance Bulletin reports that flu activity remained high in BC during the second week of 2017 (January 8 to 14, 2017), suggesting that the epidemic peak has not yet been reached this season.

A(H3N2) has been the dominant subtype so far this season, but respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity also remains elevated.

Since the last bulletin one week ago, 30 new influenza outbreaks were reported. Cumulatively, 113 facility influenza outbreaks have been reported to date this season.

Medical Services Plan (MSP) claims for influenza illness remained high or continued to increase in most regions of the province, while sentinel ILI rates were significantly above 10-year historical averages for the fifth consecutive week.

The complete bulletin is on the BCCDC website

HealthlinkBC has more information about influenza and the flu shot