The influenza epidemic slows its progression in Quebec

The plateau so much hoped for by public health at the approach of the holiday season might have been reached in Quebec when the number of influenza cases began to decline.

According to new data released Monday morning by the National Institute of Public Health, the rate of positive screening tests fell slightly last week from 27% to 25.2%.

Regarding the number of cases detected, we went from 3332 in the week ending December 3 to 3175 last week.

The vast majority of infections are linked to influenza A with 3157 cases, but influenza B is slowly gaining ground.

As is often the case during the flu season, influenza A struck first this fall, but influenza B is on the rise. However, the number of cases remains quite low.

Over the past three weeks, infections attributed to an influenza B strain have increased from six cases, to eight cases, and then to 18 cases.

During his most recent public outing, on December 5, the national director of public health, Dr.^r Luc Boileau, predicted a difficult month of December in terms of infectious respiratory diseases. He reported high influenza activity and said he hoped to reach the peak of influenza infections soon.

This wish may have come true sooner rather than later if the trend continues. Furthermore, the D^r Boileau argued last week that the decrease in influenza cases observed in the United States and Ontario, once the peak was reached, was faster than in the past.

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This dispatch has been produced with the financial assistance of the Canadian Medical Association. It has no say in editorial choices.

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