Families across Lanark, Leeds and Grenville are being urged to take flu season seriously as CHEO reports a dramatic rise in influenza cases among children.
The hospital says eight times more children tested positive for the flu in November 2025 compared to the same month last year, and twice as many required hospitalization.
CHEO warns that the flu is hitting harder and faster this season, with symptoms like high fever and trouble breathing posing serious risks for young children. Most kids arriving at the hospital have not received their annual flu shot.
Health officials are asking families across Eastern Ontario to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect vulnerable people — especially children under five, who have smaller airways and weaker immune systems.
Flu shots are free in Ontario for anyone older than six months, and can be accessed at pharmacies, medical clinics and in some cases, Southeast Public Health.
CHEO expects flu activity to peak in late December, meaning more cases are likely in the weeks ahead.
