Last verified: November 14, 2026, 4:03 a.m. UTC.
Flu is gaining ground in Canada. In the week ending November 7, 2026, 13.7% of tests reported through national surveillance were positive for influenza, up from 11.0% the previous week. That is above the Public Health Agency of Canada’s 5% epidemic threshold. The latest report recorded 4,221 influenza detections, mostly influenza A. This is a rising trend, but one week’s national figure does not predict the exact peak date in every province or territory.
For the 2026–27 season, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends an annual flu vaccine for people aged six months and older who have no contraindication. Canada’s flu activity typically increases in fall and peaks in winter; vaccination still makes sense if you have not yet received this season’s dose. PHAC FluWatch+ surveillance and NACI’s 2026–27 guidance provide the current national picture.
FluWatch+ counted 4,221 laboratory detections from 30,828 tests in surveillance week 44, which ended November 7. The share of tests positive was 13.7%, compared with 11.0% in week 43 and 7.9% in week 42. The report defines an epidemic threshold as 5% positivity when at least 15 detections are reported in a week. These surveillance results indicate that seasonal influenza is circulating widely enough to pass that threshold; they do not mean that 13.7% of Canadians have flu.
The report also recorded 78 new laboratory-confirmed outbreaks in week 44, with the largest share in long-term-care facilities. Since the surveillance period began on August 30, participating provinces and territories had reported 2,505 influenza-associated hospitalizations. PHAC notes that severe-outcome data come from participating jurisdictions, so coverage is not uniform across the country. The figures are provisional snapshots and may be revised as reporting continues.
Influenza generally increases through the fall and reaches its highest activity in winter. The peak does not fall on one fixed date: it can shift between seasons and locations, and activity may continue for months. Historical Canadian guidance describes February as a common peak month, with activity sometimes lasting into May, but that pattern should not be treated as a forecast for 2026–27. Current weekly FluWatch+ reports are the best way to follow the season as it develops.
For practical planning, do not wait for a declared peak to get vaccinated. NACI’s 2026–27 guidance says early-fall vaccination provides sustained protection for most of the season, while available evidence is not sufficient to set a single optimal date for every population. If you missed the fall window, ask a local pharmacy, clinic, or public-health unit about vaccine availability in your area.
Flu symptoms often begin suddenly, usually one to four days after exposure. Common signs include fever, cough, and muscle aches; chills, fatigue, headache, sore throat, reduced appetite, and a runny or stuffy nose can also occur. Children may have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Symptoms vary, and flu can be mild or severe.
Symptoms alone cannot reliably distinguish influenza from COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. A health-care provider may assess symptoms and, when appropriate, arrange testing. Most people recover in seven to ten days, but influenza can cause pneumonia, worsen chronic conditions, and lead to hospitalization. People at higher risk of complications should seek advice promptly when they become ill. For severe symptoms or an emergency, call 9-1-1.
NACI recommends that an age-appropriate influenza vaccine be offered every year to everyone aged six months and older who has no contraindication. Vaccination is particularly important for people at higher risk of severe illness: children aged six to 59 months, adults 65 and older, pregnant people, residents of long-term-care settings, and people with certain chronic health conditions. It is also important for health and care workers and household members who may pass flu to someone at higher risk.
For adults aged 65 and older, NACI recommends offering a high-dose inactivated, adjuvanted inactivated, or recombinant vaccine when available. If these options are unavailable, an age-appropriate vaccine should be used. Product availability can differ by province and territory, so check local guidance. Children aged six months to under nine years who are getting vaccinated for the first time need two doses at least four weeks apart; children in that age group who have received a dose in a previous season generally need one dose this season. Most people aged nine and older need one dose.
The vaccine is updated for each season because circulating strains can change and protection wanes over time. NACI says flu vaccine can be given at the same appointment as other vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines. A sore arm is common; severe reactions are very rare. The vaccine does not cause influenza. Contact a health-care professional if you have questions about a prior serious reaction or a possible contraindication.
Stay home and limit close contact while you are sick, especially around people at greater risk of complications. If you must be around others or seek care, PHAC advises wearing a well-fitting mask. Improve indoor ventilation where possible, wash hands regularly, and cover coughs and sneezes. Rest, fluids, and suitable over-the-counter medicines may ease symptoms; follow label directions and ask a pharmacist or clinician if you are unsure what is appropriate, particularly for a child.
Antiviral medicines may be considered by a clinician, especially for people at higher risk or with severe illness. They work best when started early, so contact a provider promptly rather than waiting for the season’s peak. Follow provincial or territorial advice for testing, treatment access, and local vaccination services.
In the latest available national report, 13.7% of tests were positive in the week ending November 7, 2026, above the 5% epidemic threshold. Levels differ by place and can change week to week.
No. NACI recommends annual vaccination, and vaccination can still be useful after fall begins. Check local availability and ask a health-care provider if you have questions about timing.
Flu often starts suddenly with fever, cough, and muscle aches, but symptoms overlap with other infections. Testing or clinical assessment may be needed to identify the cause.
Sources: PHAC FluWatch+ influenza report; NACI 2026–27 vaccine guidance; Canada.ca symptoms and treatment; Canada.ca prevention and risk guidance.
Eurovision Asia 2026 brought 11 nations to Bangkok. See the complete lineup, voting format, broadcast times, Australia viewing details and inaugural winner.
India chased 338 to beat Pakistan on the final ball of the 2026 U19 Asia Cup final. See the decisive innings and standout player performances.
India beat Pakistan by one wicket in the U19 Asia Cup final after Pakistan had won their group clash. See how the result shaped the tournament path.
After the New Orleans riverboat collision, Mississippi River traffic has partially reopened. See what cruise passengers should check about sailings, ferries and refunds.
Understand the 2026 Rugby Nations Championship: 12 teams, six rounds, bonus points, Australia fixtures and the November 29 final at Twickenham.
The inaugural Nations Championship is heading toward its November finals. See where Australia stands, what remains to play for, and what the new format could change for Wallabies fans.
The inaugural Nations Championship is underway. See how November results shape the North–South rankings and the six-match Finals Weekend at Twickenham.
The Philippines’ Carmelle won Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 in Bangkok, ahead of Thailand and Vietnam. Here’s what the result means and how Australians can watch.
Everyone aboard the American Heritage was accounted for after a tanker struck the docked New Orleans riverboat. Here are the confirmed injuries, timeline and investigation status.
What is known about the American Heritage and Atlantic Asphalt collision in New Orleans, the river cruise route, rescue response and passenger safety measures.
