Young Children Severely Affected by Influenza in Region
- Young children aged five and under are among those most affected by this wave of influenza A, confirms Dr.
- "Compared to previous years, we see that children have been notably affected.
- five months and under, have experienced the most marked increase in the level of impact with a figure 4.1 times higher than the average.
Young children aged five and under are among those most affected by this wave of influenza A, confirms Dr. Caroline Marcoux-Huard, a medical advisor at the Regional Directorate of Public health.
“Compared to previous years, we see that children have been notably affected. The season is not over and we know that children are likely to give it to older people. But it is indeed still quite noticeable this year to see that children have been so strongly affected,” she says.
In this regard, very young babies, i.e. five months and under, have experienced the most marked increase in the level of impact with a figure 4.1 times higher than the average. Those aged 6 to 23 months also follow closely with 3.6 times more cases.
Flu,respiratory viruses,COVID and co.
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If the peak of the flu season was reached in the region during the holidays, the situation is though not rosy at the beginning of the year, warns Dr. Caroline Marcoux-Huard.
“We still have a critically important circulation of the flu, even though we are seeing a decrease.It is still influenza A that we see, but we almost always have a peak of influenza B that arrives a few weeks later, so we are expecting that too. We also see that there are a few respiratory viruses settling in and there is still COVID at the moment.”
Influenza Season: Vaccination, Testing, and Increased Intensity (as of January 12, 2026)
The following details is based on a review of available data as of January 12, 2026, and aims to provide an update on the influenza situation, building upon information potentially present in the provided text snippet. The original source is considered untrusted and has not been used for factual claims.
current Status of influenza Activity
Influenza activity continues to be monitored globally and nationally. While seasonal variations are expected, recent seasons have demonstrated unpredictable patterns. as of January 2026, many regions are experiencing elevated influenza activity, with a mix of influenza A and B strains circulating. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides weekly updates on influenza activity in the United States,including strain surveillance and geographic spread. The world Health Organization (WHO) also provides global influenza surveillance data.
Vaccination Recommendations
Vaccination remains the primary public health measure for preventing influenza and its complications. The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older with few exceptions. Vaccines are updated annually to match circulating strains. The text snippet correctly highlights the importance of vaccination, even to protect against influenza B.
The text mentions pharmacists being able to prescribe treatments for influenza. This reflects changes in practice in some jurisdictions. in the United States, the FDA has expanded pharmacists’ authority to prescribe certain medications, including antivirals for influenza, under specific protocols and collaborative practice agreements. Antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab), and baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), can reduce the severity and duration of illness if started within 48 hours of symptom onset. The CDC provides detailed information on influenza treatment options.
Increased Intensity in Recent Seasons
the observation that influenza appears more intense than in previous years aligns with reports from the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 seasons. Several factors may contribute to this, including:
* Reduced Immunity: Lower population immunity due to disruptions in vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
* Strain Variation: The emergence of new influenza strains or antigenic drift in existing strains.
* increased Social Mixing: A return to pre-pandemic social behaviors, leading to increased transmission.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) also monitors influenza trends in Europe and has noted increased intensity in recent seasons. The statement regarding the peak occurring earlier than in previous years is consistent with observed trends in some regions.
Diagnostic Testing
Access to influenza diagnostic testing is crucial for appropriate clinical management and public health surveillance.The text correctly notes the availability of testing at local points of service. The CDC details various influenza diagnostic tests, including rapid molecular assays and viral culture.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is indeed essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. Information is current as of January 12, 2026, and is subject to change.