Canada is seeing a surging number of flu cases, particularly among young children and senior citizens. Hospitals in many provinces are taking extra steps to deal with the overflow of patients turning up in emergency rooms. Shutterstock
As the holiday season approaches, doctors across Canada are warning that this year’s flu wave is arriving earlier and hitting harder than expected. In Ottawa, families and hospitals are already feeling the strain.
Health Canada reports that flu activity is surging nationwide. Nearly 28 per cent of flu tests are now positive, a level not seen since before the pandemic. Officials say the rapid rise is especially concerning with Christmas just days away.
Families hit hard ahead of holidays
For many households, the surge has been disruptive and frightening. Ottawa parent Sarah Farhat said her entire family was knocked out by the flu.
“It’s been rough,” she said. Her two young children missed nearly a week of school, while her husband, who is immunocompromised, was sick for several days.
The illness escalated quickly. Farhat described high fevers, severe coughs, headaches, and nausea affecting everyone in the house.
“At one point, it was touch and go,” she said.
Young children among most affected
Health Canada data shows flu cases are rising fastest among young children. Children under five now have the second-highest flu hospitalization rate in the country, surpassed only by adults aged 65 and older.
Doctors say this trend is putting added pressure on pediatric care, particularly in emergency departments.
Ottawa hospitals under strain
At the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, the impact is already visible. The hospital recorded more than 200 emergency visits per day last week, peaking at 261 patients on Tuesday alone.
Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, medical officer of health for the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, said hospitals across the region are struggling to keep up.
“We’ve seen an overwhelming number of hospital visits and hospitalizations,” he said. “Unfortunately, there have also been deaths in the area.”
A more aggressive flu strain
Health Canada says the dominant flu strain circulating this season spreads more easily and is linked to higher hospitalization rates. That combination is driving the early spike in severe cases.
Doctors warn the worst may still be ahead. Flu activity is expected to peak one to two weeks after Christmas and could continue well into the new year.
Vaccination still strongly advised
Despite the late timing, health officials say it is not too late to get vaccinated.
“Even now, the flu shot will give you protection,” Roumeliotis said. He noted that immunity takes about seven to ten days to build, but vaccination can still reduce the risk of severe illness.
With holiday gatherings approaching, many families are taking extra precautions.
“I have a 90-year-old mother-in-law living with us,” said Ottawa resident Carla Van Delen. “We’re trying to keep her as safe as possible. She’s had her flu shot.”
When to seek urgent care
Doctors are urging parents to watch young children closely. Immediate medical attention is recommended for children under five who show signs of breathing trouble or dehydration, such as refusing fluids or producing fewer wet diapers.
Simple steps to reduce spread
Health Canada is reminding Canadians to take basic precautions. People are advised to stay home when sick, wash hands frequently, wear a mask around others if symptomatic, and regularly clean high-touch surfaces.
As the holidays near, doctors say these measures, along with vaccination, remain the best defense against a flu season that is already proving to be severe.
