Subscribe to News 
Back to SearchDec. 3, 2025, Ottawa, ON – A concerning rise in flu cases at CHEO has led to a significant increase in the number of children coming to the Emergency Department since the start of cold and flu season, with many children needing hospitalization with the flu.
In November, CHEO saw eight times more children test positive for influenza compared to the same month last year and double the number of children who needed to be hospitalized with the flu.
According to CHEO and Ottawa Public Health, the peak of flu season isn’t expected until late December, and the number of cases is expected to continue rising.
CHEO’s Emergency Department also reports that most children seeking care have not had their seasonal flu vaccine.
That is why CHEO is calling on everyone, including children, youth and adults, to get their flu vaccine to support the health of our community, as well as our dedicated care providers. There is still time before the holiday season.
The flu is more than a bad cold. Children under five are at a higher risk of severe illness from influenza because they have smaller airways, and their immune systems are still developing. Even healthy kids can become seriously ill, and flu spreads quickly in schools and child-care settings.
Vaccination reduces the risk of hospitalization and helps protect vulnerable family members, including infants too young to be vaccinated. The flu can spread quickly, especially in indoor settings.
The flu vaccine is available at no charge to everyone six months of age and older. Parents and guardians have several options to get their families vaccinated, including:
-
Participating pharmacies who continue to be the primary access point for flu vaccines for people two years of age and older, with many pharmacies offering walk-in services and appointments.
-
Some primary care providers like doctors and nurse practitioners offer flu vaccines to eligible patients.
-
Ottawa Public Health offers both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines to eligible high-risk and priority populations who face barriers, including newcomers without OHIP and children under age five and their household members. Vaccines will be available by appointment at OPH Community Clinics and on a drop-in basis based on capacity at Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs.
-
For those living outside Ottawa, please consult your local public health unit.
Families can also take precautions by maintaining proper hand hygiene, staying home when sick, and wearing a mask in crowds and indoor spaces.
Not all respiratory illnesses require a trip to the Emergency Department. Please see this helpful list of available resources and care options.
For all media inquiries
About CHEO
Based in Canada’s capital, CHEO is a globally renowned health institution with a mission to provide exceptional care and support to children, youth and their families. Opening our doors in 1974, we offer a full range of specialized pediatric care and services to children from eastern and northern Ontario, western Quebec and Nunavut. Our site is home to a hospital, a children’s treatment centre, a school, a research institute, and is affiliated with the University of Ottawa as an academic health science centre. Named Canada’s best health-care employer by Forbes in 2024 and 2025, we are home to more than 6,500 staff, clinicians, scientists and researchers, as well as volunteers – all of whom work together to help children and youth achieve their best lives.