Between Sept. 20 and Sept. 26, 3.7 % of influenza tests were positive, far above the 0.5 % average for this time of year in 2023‑2025.

National data show that since the end of August, roughly 98 % of lab‑confirmed flu cases in Canada have been the H1N1 strain, which experts consider milder than the H3N2 subtype that often causes more severe illness.

Brian Ward, professor emeritus at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, explained that the current dominance of H1N1 means large outbreaks are possible, but fewer people are likely to become seriously ill compared with H3N2 years.

Ward also said the this‑year flu vaccine is a “good” match for the dominant H1N1 strain, giving it a solid chance of reducing infections even though the virus can still change during the season.

Alberta has reported more than 400 confirmed flu cases, and authorities have recorded one death in the Calgary area involving a person aged 70‑79.

Provinces such as Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia have already begun offering flu (and COVID‑19) shots to high‑risk groups, with appointments for the general public opening from mid‑October to late October.

Health officials advise anyone who feels unwell to stay home and to get vaccinated as soon as shots are available in their region, especially before the upcoming long weekend.

Because the flu season has started early, getting the vaccine now can protect you and help keep the virus from spreading during the busy holiday period.