Jennifer Mendoza
Research expert covering health, pharma and medtech
Influenza and pneumonia in Canada - Statistics & Facts
Influenza, or the flu, is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide and affects thousands of people in Canada each year. Although the majority of influenza cases in Canada are not serious and most people recover without treatment, influenza can lead to severe illness and is a common cause of pneumonia, a serious infection of the lungs. Children, older adults, and those with preexisting conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, are most likely to experience severe illness or pneumonia from influenza. Although many people view influenza as a relatively harmless seasonal illness, influenza and pneumonia are the eighth leading cause of death in Canada, accounting for 5,931 deaths in 2020.
