Recent weekly data released by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) showed that influenza activity is declining nationally, but it remains high in the new year.

In the report published on Friday, the first report for 2024 found that key indicators, including reported influenza activity across the country, were decreasing as of January 6.

In the first week of the year, 25 out of 53 regions across Canada reported localized influenza activity, while three other regions (Prince Edward Island and the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal regions in British Columbia) reported widespread activity.

The PHAC statement also noted that "the proportion of regions reporting influenza activity and the intensity of reported activity are decreasing."

At the national level, influenza was detected in 6,215 laboratory tests between December 31 and January 6, representing 15% of all tests. Similar to activity reports, this percentage decreased compared to previous weeks.

Since August of last year, more than 44,000 positive tests have been reported.

Additionally, just over 2% of reports submitted last week to FluWatchers, a voluntary health surveillance system managed by PHAC, indicated symptoms of fever or cough. The agency noted that the presence of such flu-like symptoms does not directly reflect influenza activity specifically but is an important indicator for respiratory illnesses in general.

Also, according to the statement, 18% of those who reported cough and fever symptoms consulted a healthcare professional, and fewer than 70% reported missing work or school, with an average of 1.9 days of absence among those who stayed home.

Last week saw 67 lab-confirmed influenza outbreaks, more than one-sixth of the 360 outbreaks recorded since August. Among all cases recorded this flu season, a majority (52 percent) were identified in long-term care facilities.

The participating provinces and territories also reported 229 hospital admissions, 27 intensive care unit admissions, and seven flu-related deaths at the beginning of the year, compared to nearly 3,000, 340, and 120 cases respectively for the entire season.