CHEO identifies nearly 1,000 cases of influenza since September of 2022

Officials with the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) are warning that the upcoming holiday season may be more challenging than in years past due to the combination of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID-19. 

“Respiratory illnesses have been more severe and, as a result, we are seeing more children and youth coming through our doors at CHEO,” a release from CHEO stated. 

According to the CHEO, its regional lab has identified 992 cases of influenza since September of 2022. 

“That’s the red line,” the release noted. “Yet another historic number. It looms above the previous record-setting year of September 2019 to August 2020 (the blue line).

In recent days, CHEO has seen a staggering increase in the number of influenza cases. In November alone, the hospital admitted 73 influenza cases, the highest number aside from one month during H1N1 in 2009. This comes on top of the most ever admissions for RSV in a single month (149).

“Unfortunately, the pace and volumes are not expected to slow because this viral season is not over,” CHEO officials said in the release. “In fact, for influenza it is really just beginning. Things could get worse.”

CHEO officials are encouraging residents to wear masks in crowded indoor public spaces, wash hands and stay home if you are sick. 

“And, get your vaccines,” the release said. “The flu vaccine this year can make a real difference. If we can all slow the spread of infections in our community together, we – at CHEO – can go back to what we need to do to treat kids and their families who are waiting for surgeries, medical attention for other concerns and conditions we simply can’t prevent.

Dr. Chuck Hui the chief of infectious diseases, immunology and allergy at CHEO told The Sam Laprade Show on Dec. 13 that the hospital is seeing a “huge amount of influenza cases.”

“It's been a challenging situation,” said Dr. Hui. “We are really doing our best to get everyone the care they need.”

Where to get your flu vaccine

Ottawa Public Health Flu Immunization Clinics

For children aged 6 months to five years (as well as their household members) and people who are having difficulty accessing the vaccine elsewhere and or don’t have OHIP

For locations and to book an appointment, visit the

OPH Flu Immunization Online Booking System.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies can provide flu vaccines to children aged two years and older. We recommend booking online or calling ahead to confirm vaccine availability in the appropriate children’s dose.

See the list of participating pharmacies:

Influenza (Flu) Participating Pharmacies – Ottawa Public Health.

Listen to full interview with Dr. Chuck Hui below: