NORTHWEST TERRITORIES (December 8, 2025) – The Chief Public Health Officer is advising the public of a significant increase in influenza activity in the Northwest Territories, especially in Yellowknife. Most cases are Influenza A (H3 subtypes), and two-thirds are in children and adolescents under 18. This trend is expected to spread to other communities and the general population, especially as the holiday season approaches.
We have seen a rise in residents seeking care at Stanton Territorial Hospital’s emergency department, and hospital admissions for influenza have increased. Absenteeism in schools and workplaces is also rising.
Getting vaccinated and following simple hygiene practices can help protect you and others. Even though this year’s flu shot is not a perfect match for all strains (especially some mutations of H3N2), it still offers protection from other strains and can reduce the severity of illness.
Influenza typically follows two seasonal waves:
- Influenza A usually peaks in fall and early winter
- Influenza B normally increases in late winter and spring
Protect yourself and others
- Get vaccinated: It’s not too late to get your flu shot.
- Practice health habits:
- Wash your hands often.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean surfaces you touch frequently.
- Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness.
- Consider wearing a mask in crowded spaces, especially if you are higher risk.
- Keep your immune system healthy by eating healthy, exercising, sleeping well, reducing stress and reducing substance use (for more information, see Build a Stronger You).
To date, most cases reported are influenza A (H3 subtypes). Even so, getting the vaccine is still important. It protects against other flu strains and may still help reduce how severe illness is, even if it doesn’t fully prevent it.
To check your eligibility for other vaccines, such as the pneumococcal vaccine, call 8-1-1 or review the NWT Immunization Schedule.
Watch for symptoms
You may have influenza or another respiratory virus if you experience:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Body aches
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Feeling generally unwell
While most people recover in a week to 10 days, severe illness can occur. Possible serious complications of influenza include worsening of chronic health conditions, heart complications, pneumonia and hospitalization.
Know who is at higher risk
People more likely to experience severe illness include:
- Children under 5
- Adults 65 and older
- Pregnant individuals
- Residents of long-term care facilities
Adults and children with the following health conditions are also at increased risk:
- Anemia
- Cancer or any other condition and/or medication that weakens the immune system
- Children up to 18 years of age undergoing treatment with long-term aspirin therapy
- Chronic heart, lung or kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Extremely overweight
- Neurologic or neurodevelopmental conditions
When to seek medical care
- Call 811 for non-urgent health advice or to check vaccine eligibility.
- Call 911 or go to your nearest health centre if you have severe symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain.
Vaccination Rates
As of December 4, 2025:
- 16.3% of eligible NWT residents received at least one dose of influenza vaccine.
- 38.1% of NWT residents aged 65 and older were vaccinated with influenza vaccine.
- 10.3% of NWT residents aged 18 and younger received at least one dose of influenza vaccine
For comparison, from January 1 to December 4, 2024:
- 15.6% of eligible NWT residents received at least one dose of influenza vaccine.
- 35.8% of NWT residents aged 65 and older were vaccinated with influenza vaccine.
- 9.6% of NWT residents aged 18 and younger received at least one dose of influenza vaccine
Related Links
What happens next
The Chief Public Health Officer will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on a regular basis until this advisory has been lifted.
For more information contact:
Andrew Wind
Manager Communications
Health and Social Services
HSSmedia@gov.nt.ca