Respiratory Illness Update: Flu Surges Ahead of Winter Season

Data released last week show a notable shift in respiratory illness activity, with influenza and SARS cases increasing by 11% compared with the week prior and COVID-19 rising by 33%, according to Rospotrebnadzor’s latest update reported to socialbites.ca. The figures highlight a continuing public health challenge as the overall burden from flu and SARS in the country continues to climb beyond the one million mark. In the current mix of circulating respiratory viruses, influenza remains the dominant factor; more than six in ten detections within the influenza family are attributable to influenza B viruses, a pattern that has clinical and surveillance implications for vaccination strategies and antiviral planning. Among other non-flu respiratory pathogens, non-specified respiratory viruses such as PC viruses and rhinoviruses are leading contributors to illnesses that mimic flu but are not caused by influenza, underscoring the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment guidance during peak season.