The number of flu cases in Toronto is rising as the city heads into winter, according to Toronto Public Health data.

A total of 238 lab-confirmed cases of the flu have been reported in Toronto as of Nov. 15, Toronto Public Health (TPH) said in a statement on Friday. The count refers to cases reported since Aug. 24, when flu season is said to have started.

“Current indicators show increasing influenza activity,” the public health unit said.

According to TPH’s integrated respiratory diseases dashboard, current indicators include total number of cases reported, percentage of positive lab tests for influenza, number of institutional outbreaks and assessment of wastewater.

“Last year, we had one of the most severe flu seasons in the last 10 years,” TPH said.

“While it is too early in the season to know exactly what this winter will bring, we are seeing flu activity start to increase in the community, making vaccination and other protective measures especially important to help prevent virus spread.”

Nearly all flu activity in Ontario due to influenza A

According to Public Health Ontario, nearly all flu activity in the province is due to influenza A, with A(H3N2) more common than A(H1N1) this week and in current flu season.

“The current overall influenza activity in Ontario is moderate, with activity increasing in recent weeks,” Public Health Ontario said.

“Whether this season ends up being more severe than recent seasons as measured by total number of cases, maximum percent positivity, total hospital admissions, and total number of outbreaks remains to be determined.”

Neither TPH nor Public Health Ontario could provide an estimate of how many flu vaccines have been administered in the city and province so far this year.

TPH, however, said vaccines are updated each year to match the flu strains that are expected to circulate.

“Even when the vaccine is not a perfect match, it still provides meaningful protection by reducing the risk of severe illness, complications, and hospitalization,” the public health unit said.

TPH said it recommends that all eligible residents receive their influenza, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines this season.

Influenza is a virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs. Influenza A and B viruses cause the flu.

Roughly five to 10 per cent of adults and 20 to 30 per cent of children are infected with flu, usually in the late fall and winter, every year in Canada, according to TPH.

Ontario residents, aged six months and older, can get a flu and COVID-19 vaccine at primary care offices and participating pharmacies.