01/09/2026
We’re heading into a respiratory virus season with a twist this year — and it’s showing up in Canada’s own health surveillance data.
Recent reports show influenza activity rising, while COVID-19 and RSV remain steady across the country — meaning more people are experiencing coughs, fevers, and congestion simultaneously than in past seasons. This pattern is similar to broader North American trends, where several respiratory viruses spread at once.
Here’s why this matters:
🦠 Multiple viruses circulating at once can make symptoms harder to distinguish without testing.
📈 Influenza rates increasing means people across all ages — not just children or older adults — may be more likely to get sick.
🤧 Stable COVID-19 activity doesn’t eliminate risk, especially for high-risk groups.
What you can do right now (practical and simple):
• Watch for overlapping symptoms — fever, cough, body aches, fatigue
• Stay up to date with vaccines recommended in your age group
• Practice sensible infection prevention: hand hygiene, staying home when sick, and wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings if you or someone you live with is vulnerable
Respiratory illness isn’t going away — but understanding the season’s trends helps you make smarter health decisions.
💬 Feel free to share what symptoms you’re seeing in your community — and always ask a clinician if you’re unsure about next steps.