What is causing overcrowding in Canadian emergency departments?

Overcrowding in Canadian emergency departments is primarily caused by the rapid spread of influenza, leading to increased hospital admissions and prolonged patient stays.

Which influenza strain is driving the current surge in Canada?

The current surge in influenza activity across Canada is driven by the H3N2 subclade, identified as strain K.

Are children experiencing more severe flu symptoms in Canada?

Yes, pediatric infectious disease specialists have noted that children are experiencing longer-lasting fevers and more severe symptoms, such as gastrointestinal issues, due to the H3N2 strain.

Home / Health / Canada's ERs Overwhelmed by Intense Flu Surge

Canada's ERs Overwhelmed by Intense Flu Surge

10 Jan

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Summary

Influenza activity peaked in mid-December, with flu positivity at 33.3% by late December.
Hospitals in Canada are experiencing overcrowding due to a rapid spread of influenza.
Children and adults are suffering from prolonged fevers and severe symptoms.

Emergency departments nationwide are grappling with significant overcrowding, driven by the rapid and intense spread of influenza. For the week ending December 27, 2025, a concerning 33.3% of flu tests returned positive, marking the highest rate observed in the past three seasons. This surge has led to prolonged fevers and severe symptoms for both children and adults across various Canadian provinces, including parts of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island.

The current influenza wave is primarily fueled by the H3N2 subclade, known as K. While the World Health Organization indicates this strain doesn't cause more severe disease, infectious disease experts note a potential mismatch with some components of this year's flu vaccine. Nevertheless, public health officials strongly advise that the vaccine still offers crucial protection against hospitalization and severe illness across all age groups.