Northern Hemisphere Flu Season No-Showed

According to the latest data, Canada, Mexico, and the USA experienced unusually reduced influenza seasons this year. Globally, despite continued or even increased testing for influenza in some countries, influenza activity remained at lower levels than expected for this time of the year, stated the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 15, 2021.

In the USA, it has been the mildest flu season since 2005.

As of March 26, 2021, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported during week #11, 0.9% of patient visits reported through ILINet were due to Influenza-like Illness. This percentage is below the national baseline of 2.6% for this time of year.

Furthermore, there has been one pediatric fatality related to influenza during the 2020-2021 flu season. This good news compares with last flu season when the CDC confirmed 198 pediatric fatalities.

In Canada, the government confirmed all indicators of influenza activity remain exceptionally low for this time of year, despite continued monitoring for influenza across Canada.

As of March 20, 2021, there has been no evidence of community circulation of influenza despite continued testing above seasonal levels. Influenza activity in Canada has remained below the threshold required to declare the start of the 2020-21 influenza season.

And in Mexico, during week #10 of 2021, no influenza detections were reported, reported the PAHO.

The CDC reminds everyone that 'an annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against influenza and its potentially serious complications, such as pneumonia. '