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. Visit ottawa.ca for more information.
