#h3n2

With flu cases now rising in Canada, medical experts are bracing for a difficult influenza season linked to the global spread of an evolving H3N2 strain that could be a mismatch for this year’s vaccine. New federal data out Friday shows roughly two per cent of country-wide tests came back positive for influenza in the previous week. That’s still shy of the five per cent bar for Canada to declare a seasonal flu epidemic, but it’s a noticeable uptick from a few weeks before. The ongoing flu season abroad has been marked by record case counts in the Southern Hemisphere, and an early start to the season across parts of Asia and the U.K. As Canada heads into the winter, it could be a bellwether of what’s to come.

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The following states have improved from the category of Very High to High this week:

Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas and Pennsylvania.

The following states have improved from High to Moderate this week:

Nevada and Wyoming

Though these states seem to be on the mend, flu activity remains high across the nation.

Precautions should continue to be taken as flu season slows to an eventual end.

They received their canine influenza (H3N2/H3N8) vaccines today! There was a case of H3N2 diagnosed literally 30 minutes away, so we aren’t taking any chances.

Recently in 2017, cases of H3N2 have been diagnosed in multiple states across the US. If your dogs go anywhere they might come in contact with other dogs, like vet offices, boarding/grooming, pet stores, dog parks, show/trial grounds, training… you should seriously consider the vaccine. It can also be tracked home on your clothes or shoes. It is super contagious and can be spread to cats as well.

Be careful and practice safe biosecurity!