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Back to SearchOttawa – December 12, 2022 – This coming holiday season may be more challenging than ever. Respiratory illnesses have been more severe and, as a result, we are seeing more children and youth coming through our doors at CHEO. The combination of RSV, influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses make up the vast majority of admissions.
The numbers help tell the story.
Since this September, the regional lab at CHEO has identified 992 cases of influenza. That’s the red line. 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, we 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. In fact, for influenza it is really just beginning. Things could get worse.
Our staff are doing everything they can to provide you and your families the best care they can. And they will.
But you can also help.
You know the drill: wear a mask in crowded indoor public spaces, wash your hands, and stay home when you’re sick.
And, get your vaccines. The flu vaccine this year can make a real difference. (See where you can get them, below.) NACI has also recently given the green light to anyone getting the influenza vaccine (or any other vaccine) at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.
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.
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Are you a parent or caregiver concerned about the increase in respiratory illness in our community? Join the KidsComeFirst Health Team for a virtual town hall on Monday evening. Learn more and pre-submit your questions.
Video: Dr. Chuck Hui, Chief of Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Allergy at CHEO, talks about influenza, what it’s like and how it’s affecting CHEO.
Dr. Anne Pham-Huy, pediatric infectious diseases specialist at CHEO, answers three common questions about the vaccine for influenza.
Where to get your flu vaccine
Ottawa Public Health Flu Immunization Clinics
For children aged 6 months to 5 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 2 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.
Media contact
media@cheo.on.ca
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.