Montreal health experts are issuing urgent calls for public caution and influenza vaccination as a powerful wave of flu sweeps across Quebec and Canada. This surge comes amid reports of three pediatric deaths in the Ottawa region this month linked to influenza A complications.
Alarming Transmission Rates and Hospital Strain
Influenza transmission rates in Quebec are currently doubling every single week, with the virus proving particularly aggressive within school environments. The situation mirrors trends in Ontario, where 64 per cent of elementary school-age children screened in early December tested positive for the flu.
This early and intense surge has led to a flood of patients at medical facilities. Montreal's two major children's hospitals—the Montreal Children’s Hospital and CHU Ste-Justine—were compelled to release a public statement. They asked families to avoid their overcrowded emergency departments unless a child requires immediate critical care.
The strain is quantifiable: last week, patients with minor health issues accounted for 40 per cent of visits to these pediatric ERs, both of which are operating at occupancy rates exceeding 130 per cent.
Guidance for Concerned Parents
Dr. Earl Rubin, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the McGill University Health Centre, acknowledges the confusing signals for parents. He offers clear advice for navigating the situation.
"If a parent is concerned and their child is very ill, you don't stay away from the emergency room," Dr. Rubin stated. However, he emphasized that if a child responds well to fever-reducing medication like Tylenol or Advil, it is best to first call 811—Quebec's free medical telephone service—or consult a family doctor.
This approach not only helps manage hospital overcrowding but also limits the further spread of influenza in crowded waiting rooms. While influenza leads to an average of 3,500 deaths annually in Canada, pediatric fatalities remain relatively rare, typically between five and ten per year. Dr. Jesse Papenburg of the Montreal Children’s Hospital noted that studies show about three-quarters of those children had underlying health conditions.
An Early and Potent Flu Season
This year's influenza season arrived unusually early, with significant spread beginning in November instead of the typical late-December start. "We are already at a peak number that would normally only come in January," Dr. Rubin explained, citing the weekly doubling of confirmed cases.
A key factor in the rapid spread is the dominant circulating subtype: H3N2. Unlike the H1N1 subtype common in recent years, a larger segment of the population has little to no existing immunity against H3N2. Furthermore, this year's flu vaccine offers a less-than-ideal match for the H3N2 strain, meaning reduced protection against infection. Despite this, vaccination remains critically important, as it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Nationwide data from Health Canada since August reports 37 influenza-related deaths, 88 ICU admissions, and, among those under 18, five deaths and 24 ICU admissions.
Vaccination Hesitancy and Protective Measures
Flu vaccination rates in Quebec remain around 40 per cent for the general population, which experts attribute partly to the province's recent history of not offering free universal shots. Quebec only began providing free flu vaccines for all residents last year, lagging behind most other Canadian provinces.
"So there’s a history... and a notion that if they’re not paying for it, it’s not something that’s helpful," Rubin noted, adding that COVID-19 pandemic-related vaccine skepticism has also played a role.
Doctors stress that it is not too late to get vaccinated. While full protection takes one to two weeks, the shot provides increasing immunity over time, which is valuable ahead of holiday gatherings. Flu shots are free in Quebec and can be booked via the Clic Santé platform.
Beyond vaccination, wearing a mask offers strong protection. Dr. Rubin also counsels common sense: individuals with flu-like, measles, or gastro symptoms should reconsider attending gatherings with vulnerable individuals like the elderly, newborns, or those undergoing chemotherapy. Similarly, susceptible hosts should think twice about holding large events.
On a cautiously optimistic note, Rubin pointed to "viral interference," where infection with one virus can reduce the risk of catching another simultaneously. Cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) have also dropped notably this season, likely due to new preventive vaccines.
