Analysis of the Epidemiological Situation

The flu epidemic, which began in late December, continued its upward trend during the second half of January. A sharp increase in the estimated number of visits for flu-like symptoms was observed last week; the epidemic peak has likely been reached. Over the past two weeks, activity related to visits for flu-like symptoms was moderate in the emergency departments of CHAR and CHK and high at GMC. Since the start of the epidemic, influenza A and B viruses, as well as RSV A and RSV B, have been identified. Two severe cases of influenza have been admitted to the CHAR intensive care unit since the start of the epidemic, one of whom has died.