Canada's Flu Season Starts Early: Hospitals Strained

Canada is grappling with an unusually early and intense influenza season, placing significant pressure on the nation's healthcare system. Hospitals across the country are reporting a surge in admissions due to the widespread circulation of the flu virus. Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is expected to release the latest federal data this afternoon, providing a clearer picture of the outbreak's current scale.

The youngest Canadians have been disproportionately impacted, with a high number of flu detections among children and youth under the age of 19. This has led to considerable strain on some children's hospitals. However, health officials caution that the season's peak may not yet have arrived, as the virus continues to spread across all age demographics.

Recent reports indicate a growing number of influenza outbreaks in long-term care homes and other facilities housing vulnerable seniors. Healthcare experts are closely monitoring the situation, anticipating further spread and emphasizing the need for continued vigilance as the flu season progresses.