Canada’s influenza season began earlier than usual this fall, and national surveillance data show activity continuing to rise as the country moves deeper into November.
The latest federal snapshot, updated November 6 with information through October 31, recorded influenza test positivity of 10.8 per cent across Canada, according to the federal respiratory virus surveillance report.
The Public Health Agency of Canada classified national influenza activity as moderate, with the trend marked as increasing.
The 2026-27 season officially began during surveillance week 40, which ended October 10, an early start compared with the timing typically seen in Canada.
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What the latest influenza data show
Federal surveillance reported 104 respiratory-virus outbreaks during the week ending October 31, with the weekly total increasing.
The respiratory hospitalization rate reported by participating provinces and territories reached 1.5 hospitalizations per 100,000 people for that week.
That rate remained low, but it was also increasing, suggesting that the rise in influenza and other respiratory viruses was beginning to affect hospitals and other parts of the health-care system.
Influenza indicators have been gradually increasing nationally since the season began, although the intensity and timing vary by province and territory.
Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 has accounted for the majority of reported influenza detections in early surveillance from across the country.
The national data do not yet establish how severe the full season will be, because activity can change substantially as more people gather indoors and transmission increases through the winter.
Why an early start matters
Influenza usually begins building during the fall and reaches its highest levels during the winter months.
An earlier start gives the virus more time to circulate before the traditional winter peak, which can increase pressure on primary-care offices, urgent-care clinics and emergency departments.
It also means people who have not yet been vaccinated may have less time to arrange protection before influenza spreads more widely in their communities.
Public health officials continue to track influenza alongside COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus because people can be exposed to more than one respiratory virus during the same season.
The federal surveillance snapshot showed COVID-19 activity at a low level, while its test positivity trend was also increasing.
RSV activity remained very low and stable in the same reporting period.
Who should get a flu vaccine
National Advisory Committee on Immunization guidance recommends that influenza vaccine be offered every year to everyone six months of age and older who does not have a medical contraindication.
Vaccination is particularly important for young children, pregnant people, adults aged 65 and older, people with chronic health conditions and residents of long-term-care facilities.
It is also prioritized for health-care workers, household contacts of people at higher risk and people who provide regular child care.
Adults and children aged nine and older generally need one dose each season.
Children between six months and nine years of age who have never previously received influenza vaccine may need two doses at least four weeks apart.
For adults aged 65 and older, NACI recommends a high-dose, adjuvanted or recombinant vaccine when an appropriate product is available, although any age-appropriate influenza vaccine should be used if those products cannot be obtained.
Vaccine availability and the process for booking an appointment vary by province and territory.
What Canadians can do now
People who develop fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches or unusual fatigue should consider influenza among the possible causes, particularly when flu activity is elevated locally.
Staying home when sick, improving ventilation, washing hands and avoiding close contact with people at higher risk can help reduce transmission.
People with serious breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, dehydration or rapidly worsening symptoms should seek urgent medical attention.
Most people recover from influenza within about a week, but the illness can cause pneumonia and worsen underlying heart, lung and other chronic conditions.
The next national surveillance update should provide a clearer picture of whether the early increase is accelerating, stabilizing or beginning to vary by region.
Until then, the federal data point to an influenza season that has arrived early and is continuing to build, rather than a short-lived increase limited to a small number of communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Canada’s 2026-27 influenza season begin?
The season began in surveillance week 40, which ended October 10, 2026, an early start compared with the usual Canadian pattern.
How high was influenza test positivity in the latest national report?
Influenza test positivity was 10.8 per cent for the week ending October 31, 2026, according to the federal surveillance snapshot updated November 6.
Who should get an influenza vaccine in Canada?
NACI recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone aged six months and older who does not have a contraindication.
Do children need more than one flu-vaccine dose?
Children aged six months to under nine years who have never received influenza vaccine may need two doses at least four weeks apart.
What symptoms may indicate influenza?
Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and fatigue, although symptoms can vary and may overlap with other respiratory infections.
Fact-Checked: Temporal review completed. The federal snapshot was updated November 6, 2026, with data through October 31, 2026; surveillance week 40 ended October 10, 2026. The stated dates and chronology are correct. ([health-infobase.canada.ca](https://health-infobase.canada.ca/respiratory-virus-surveillance/?wbdisable=true&utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: This article provides general health information and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified health professional.