Three children dead in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario region after flu-related complications
The Globe and Mail••health
Key Points:
- Three children aged 5 to 9 have died from influenza-related complications in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario in early December, prompting regional medical officers of health to issue a rare joint statement.
- There has been a rapid increase in influenza-A cases, with the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario reporting higher-than-usual flu cases and complications for this time of year.
- National surveillance data show a significant rise in flu activity, with a 20.2% positivity rate and predominance of influenza A(H3N2), alongside increased hospitalizations for respiratory issues.
- Health officials urge everyone six months and older, especially children, to get vaccinated promptly as the flu vaccine helps reduce severe illness and complications, despite not always preventing infection.
