Flu activity in Montréal

Results to November 28 are based on 886 participants, who provided information concerning ILI (Influenza-like illness) and vaccination concerning over 1500 people in the Montréal region. The number of participants has been continually increasing from week to week, which enhances the quality of the GrippeMontréal survey.

Some 200 new participants have joined us over the last few days. Thanks!

This week, we are sharing with you data to November 28, 2009:

• ILI reported by GrippeMontréal participants (%);
• Number of visits for ILI to emergency departments;
• Laboratory confirmed cases of influenza (H1N1);
• Reports of ILI in the most recent telephone surveys.

The ILI ? Grippe Montréal curve suggests that flu activity among participants is decreasing, which reflects the trend in data from the health network.

These results don't mean that public health should diminish its influenza prevention and protection activities for the population. Many people in Montréal have still not been vaccinated. At this time, the vaccine is being offered to the whole population. Regardless of your age or health status, go to an Influenza A(H1N1) Pandemic Vaccination Centre. They're open 7 days a week, from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Winter has just arrived: this is the time of year when flu activity is highest.

Results of the GrippeMontréal survey allows us to forge ahead with the project and to think about integrating this tool into regular public health actions. The GrippeMontréal team intends on continuing the online survey throughout the winter season so we can quickly measure flu activity.

The prospect of an increase in cases of seasonal flu?which is different from influenza A(H1N1)?and the possibility of a third wave of H1N1 clearly indicate the potential for GrippeMontréal to provide better support to our partners in the health network.

Thank you for your continued participation in tracking the flu with GrippeMontréal.