Several emergency departments in Canada are facing overcrowding due to the rapid spread of the flu, resulting in long-lasting fevers for some individuals. The latest federal report indicates a slight decrease in flu activity nationwide.
As of the week ending December 27, 2025, 33.3% of flu tests came back positive, marking the highest rate in the past three flu seasons, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. The federal report released on Friday highlighted a flu positivity rate of 27.1% as of January 3.
Multiple provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island, have reported widespread flu activity.
Seasonal epidemics of influenza A and B are common, with influenza A further categorized into subtypes. The current surge is primarily driven by the H3N2 subclade, known as K, which has mutations not associated with more severe illness, as confirmed by the World Health Organization.
Despite potential mismatches with the flu shot components, experts emphasize that the vaccine still provides protection against various flu subtypes and crucially helps prevent severe outcomes such as hospitalizations across all age groups, as detailed in a study published in the journal Eurosurveillance.
The early and intense flu activity this season has led to a surge in patients at North York General Hospital in Toronto, according to Dr. Kevin Wasko, the hospital’s chief of emergency medicine.
Public Health Ontario has reported a decline in flu activity in the past two weeks, indicating that the peak occurred during the week of December 14-20, 2025, based on the province’s dashboard.
Dr. Wasko mentioned that the hospital is currently at full capacity due to the influx of patients with flu-related complications, leading to delays in admitting patients from the emergency department to inpatient wards.
Recent observations at the hospital revealed numerous patients waiting for triage or admission, with some patients seen lying on stretchers in hallways.
Dr. Wasko emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention promptly for severe flu symptoms, reassuring the public that patients are typically seen within three hours of arrival, aiming to maintain this efficiency throughout the season.
In southwestern Ontario, the Erie Shores emergency department has experienced increased pediatric cases compared to previous years, although with shorter wait times compared to North York.
According to Dr. Braedon Hendy, chief