Statement from regional Medical Officers of Health on sharp rise in serious flu cases in children

Rise in serious flu cases in children

There has been a rapid and significant rise in Influenza A across Ontario, including the Eastern Ontario region. CHEO is reporting a higher-than-usual number of flu cases and complications for this time of year.

In the first two weeks of December, three children between the ages of five and nine have died from influenza A-related complications in the Ottawa and Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) regions. This is a stark reminder that the flu can lead to severe illness and complications that require hospital care. With much of the respiratory illness season still ahead, we anticipate this will continue to be a challenging flu season.

The Medical Officers of Health for the Eastern Ontario Health Unit and Ottawa Public Health (OPH) are strongly urging everyone six months and older to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible. Vaccination is especially important this season for children due to the rise in severe illness. Parents and caregivers can help protect children by being vaccinated themselves.

As the vaccine takes about two weeks to reach full effectiveness, getting vaccinated now will help provide protection during the busy holiday season when there is often increased circulation of the flu. While the vaccine may not always prevent infection, it still offers strong protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and complications.

Where to get vaccinated

• Participating pharmacies continue to be the primary access point for flu vaccines for people two years of age and older, with many pharmacies offering walk-in services and appointments. Call ahead to your local pharmacy to confirm availability.
• OPH offers the flu vaccine, by appointment only through OPH Community Clinics, to:
  • Children under five and their household members
  • Newcomers without OHIP

In addition to getting vaccinated, taking additional preventive steps can help further protect others:

• Wash your hands often
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue
• Stay home if you are sick
• Avoid visiting people in long term care or retirement homes and hospitals of you are ill
• If you are sick, or at higher risk of severe illness, consider wearing a mask in crowded or indoor public spaces.

For more information about when to treat your child at home or when to seek care when a child is sick, please see CHEO’s Find the right care factsheet. If you have questions about the flu vaccine or your personal risk, please speak with your healthcare provider or visit one of the websites below for more information:

• Ottawa Public Health: www.OttawaPublicHealth.ca/flu
• Eastern Ontario Health Unit: www.EOHU.ca/flu
• CHEO: www.CHEO.on.ca 

Thank you for doing your part to help keep our communities safe. By acting together, we can protect those who are most vulnerable and keep our communities healthier through this difficult flu season.

Dr. Paul Roumeliotis                                          Dr. Trevor Arnason Medical Officer of Health and CEO                  Medical Officer of Health Eastern Ontario Health Unit                             Ottawa Public Health

For media inquiries, please contact Ottawa Public Health at OPHmedia@ottawa.ca or Eastern Ontario Health Unit at media@eohu.ca.  

For more information about respiratory illnesses, including flu, RSV, and COVID-19, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RespVirus. OPH also shares helpful updates throughout the season on its social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.