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Children's Hospitals Overwhelmed by Surge
5 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Pediatric hospitals in Canada are experiencing an early and severe flu season.
- CHEO in Ottawa saw an eight-fold increase in positive flu tests among children.
- Hospitals are bracing for continued high patient volumes throughout December.
Canada is grappling with an exceptionally early and severe influenza season, placing significant pressure on pediatric hospitals. Eastern Ontario's CHEO in Ottawa experienced an "unprecedented" daily patient volume, with an eight-fold increase in positive flu tests among children in November compared to 2024. This surge has led to doubled hospitalizations and strained emergency departments, forcing the use of overflow spaces.
Similar trends are observed in Quebec and other Ontario hospitals, with Montreal Children's Hospital reporting over 200 daily patients, a significant rise since mid-November. Many of these young patients are testing positive for influenza A, a strain that has mutated and may reduce the efficacy of current vaccines. Flu A cases have jumped significantly nationwide among children.
Medical experts are concerned about the H3N2 influenza A strain, commonly associated with higher hospitalization rates, and its potential resistance to this season's vaccine. Despite a possible "slight mismatch," vaccination is strongly encouraged to prevent severe illness. Health officials in other Northern Hemisphere nations are also preparing for heightened flu activity.
