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The number of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions due to influenza in Ontario hospitals jumped 127 per cent in just one week, according to the Ontario Hospital Association.
The association shared the data in a news release Tuesday, a day after the Eastern Ontario Health Authority announced three children have died from complications related to influenza A since early December.
The number of confirmed influenza cases per day increased by 150% during the week of December 12, according to the association. Hospitalizations also increased by 84%.
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“While COVID-19 and RSV cases have remained fairly stable, influenza cases have increased significantly,” Anthony Dale, president and CEO of the Ontario Hospital Association, said in a statement.
“Influenza A positivity rates are now higher than in any of the past three seasons and are increasing in all age groups.”
The association said Ontarians should make sure their vaccinations are up to date.
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“Given that influenza cases are expected to peak in some regions as early as mid-December, and given that it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective, it is critical that you get vaccinated now to ensure you are protected during the virus's peak season,” Dale said.
“During this time, it is also important to wash your hands regularly, cover your coughs and sneezes, stay home if you are sick, and of course follow mask mandates at each hospital to avoid the continued spread of respiratory illness.”
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