As flu cases continue to rise in Ontario and other parts of eastern Canada , medical experts warn that the flu is not just a common cold and can lead to fatal complications in severe cases. The recent deaths of three children in the Ottawa area due to flu-related complications have drawn significant public attention.
Ottawa Public Health reported Monday that three children, aged between 5 and 9, died from influenza A. These cases come as Ontario and the eastern region are facing a significantly higher number of flu cases this season than in previous years.
Montreal epidemiologist and cardiologist Dr. Christopher Labos points out that influenza can lead to serious multi-system problems, including viral pneumonia complicated by bacterial infection, impaired kidney function, and even kidney failure. In older adults, influenza can also increase the risk of heart disease. He emphasizes that viewing influenza as a “trivial cold” is a dangerous misconception.
Regarding the child’s death, Toronto infectious disease expert Dr. Isaac Bogoch stated that it is currently unclear whether there are other underlying factors, but influenza itself carries a high risk of death. Data shows that influenza causes approximately 400,000 to 500,000 deaths globally each year, and in Canada, approximately 2,500 to 3,500 people die annually from influenza-related illnesses. The risk of severe illness is primarily concentrated in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Labos added that the H3N2 strain is the predominant strain circulating in Canada this year, as it is more contagious and more likely to cause severe illness. A similar trend was observed in previous Southern Hemisphere winter flu outbreaks, and it is now gradually becoming apparent in Canada.
Public health data shows that infection rates were particularly high among children aged 5 to 11 in Ontario at the beginning of this month. Experts believe that prolonged indoor gatherings and limited ventilation in schools are significant factors contributing to the spread of the virus.
Regarding prevention, experts unanimously recommend getting a flu shot as soon as possible. Although this year’s vaccine is not a perfect match for the H3N2 strain, it can still effectively reduce the risk of severe illness and complications. Doctors also urge people to stay home and rest if symptoms appear, wear masks on public transportation and in medical facilities, and maintain good hand hygiene.
The latest monitoring report shows that the positivity rate for influenza tests rose to 20.2% in the first week of December, far exceeding the level of the same period last year. Health authorities warn that influenza activity is still rising rapidly, and hospitalizations continue to increase, including at several children’s hospitals.