Overview
- Ottawa Public Health and the Eastern Ontario Health Unit confirmed three influenza-related deaths this month among children aged five to nine.
- Medical officers urged vaccination for everyone six months and older, emphasizing protection against severe illness and the two-week period to reach full effectiveness.
- Authorities say the circulating influenza A strain is disproportionately affecting children and driving a rise in serious cases.
- CHEO reported heavy pediatric flu volumes and asked family doctors to extend hours or volunteer, noting few emergency patients had been vaccinated.
- Ottawa Public Health reports flu activity is rated "very high" and rising, while national data indicate pediatric flu deaths remain uncommon.