{
  "id": 15821050,
  "title": "B.C. is seeing the highest flu numbers in the country: Health Canada",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/b-c-is-seeing-the-highest-flu-numbers-in-the-country-health-canada",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-21T00:02:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Global News",
    "slug": "global-news",
    "url": "https://globalnews.ca/news/12110325/bc-highest-flu-numbers-canada/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Health Canada has reported that B.C. is experiencing the highest flu numbers in the country. According to recent data, more than five percent of tests detected influenza in the week of October 4, making it the highest rate in the nation. The most common strain detected was Influenza A(H1N1), accounting for 98.4 percent of cases. Dr. Brian Conway, a medical director, stated that flu season has started earlier than usual, with test positivity exceeding the five percent threshold that marks the beginning of the respiratory virus season. The population most affected has been people aged 65 years and older. Health officials have urged everyone, especially high-risk individuals such as those over 65, pregnant people, and those with chronic conditions, to get vaccinated. Free vaccines will be available for influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumococcal disease this season.",
  "summary": "Dr. Brian Conway, the medical director of the Vancouver Infectious Disease Centre, said these numbers show that flu season has started a little earlier than usual.",
  "key_points": [
    "B.C. has the highest flu numbers in the country.",
    "Over 5% of tests detected influenza in the week of October 4.",
    "Influenza A(H1N1) was the most common strain, accounting for 98.4% of cases."
  ],
  "editors_take": "An early surge in influenza cases shifts the seasonal burden onto seniors and high-risk groups, making immediate vaccination efforts essential to managing the heightened respiratory virus activity in British Columbia.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}