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Children’s Hospitals Seeing More Flu Cases as Earlier Season Takes a Toll
Children’s hospitals report up to eight times more flu cases than last year due to early virus spread and a less effective vaccine against the dominant H3N2 strain.
- On Dec. 4, 2025, hospitals across Canada reported increased pediatric flu cases, with CHEO noting 15 positive tests last month and hospitalizations doubling to 12.
- Delayed vaccination in Ontario meant many were unprotected when the H3N2 strain began circulating in mid-November and had mutated, reducing vaccine effectiveness, Dr. Allison McGeer said.
- A surveillance network covering 15 children's hospitals found rising emergency visits for flu, noting school-age children spread it while children under two and those with conditions face higher hospitalization risk.
- The Public Health Agency of Canada says updated flu data will be published Friday as cases climb through December, and doctors urge flu shots now since protection takes about two weeks.
- Despite a less-than-perfect match, experts note the vaccine may offer higher protection against H1N1 and influenza B, with U.K. data showing 30 to 40 per cent effectiveness against H3N2 for seniors and 60 to 70 per cent for kids.
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Children's hospitals seeing more flu cases as earlier season takes a toll
TORONTO — Hospitals are seeing more children sick with flu after the virus began circulating earlier than usual this year. The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario said it saw eight times more kids testing positive for influenza last month than it did in November last year. A spokesperson for CHEO said the difference is stark […]
·Toronto, Canada
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Total News Sources17
Leaning Left9Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution69% Left
Bias Distribution
- 69% of the sources lean Left
69% Left
L 69%
C 23%
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