Respiratory viruses on the rise in Ottawa as flu season peaks
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is warning that respiratory viruses are on the rise in Ottawa and increasing numbers of people are being admitted to hospital.
According to the latest numbers on OPH's seasonal respiratory health dashboard, levels of COVID-19 and RSV in the community remain high. Influenza levels are also high and increasing.
- Sign up now for our nightly CTV News Ottawa newsletter
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
"Influenza is still to rise and the burden on our hospitals is real," said Ottawa medical officer of health Vera Etches to CTV News Ottawa on Friday.
"People probably already notice that people around them are getting these viruses."
The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) says they are currently seeing a spike of influenza as admissions push the hospital beyond capacity
"We’re over capacity right now," said Terry Varshney, a pediatric emergency physician at CHEO.
"We will hospitalize any child that needs to be hospitalized, we are not going to compromise on the care that we are going to give, but our beds are tight."
Last year, the Red Cross was called in to help hospital staff, but CHEO says that likely won’t happen this year after having received more funding and hired more staff.
While medical experts say washing hands and staying home when sick are important, the best form of protection is immunization.
"Get your child vaccinated and get your vulnerable family members vaccinated to at least try to decrease the intensity of the infection," said Varshney.
Vaccines can be found at participating pharmacies, along with local community clinics and neighbourhood health and wellness hubs.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW This Canadian scientist combines passion for history, archeology and genetics to solve ancient and modern-day DNA puzzles
Turi King takes pride in her work solving ancient and modern-day DNA puzzles – including a centuries-old mystery involving an infamous British king.
Bathroom break nearly derails $22-million project at city council meeting
A brief break during Wednesday's city council meeting in Saskatoon nearly cost the city dearly.
Israeli strikes in central Gaza kill at least 11 as the U.S. pushes a ceasefire plan
Palestinian health officials said Israeli strikes killed 11 people overnight into Monday, including a woman and three children, in central Gaza.
Do this once a month and extend your life by up to 10 years. No gym required
Research shows that art experiences, whether as a maker or a beholder, transform our biology by rewiring our brains and triggering the release of neurochemicals, hormones and endorphins.
Mexico elects Claudia Sheinbaum as its first woman president
Mexico's projected presidential winner Claudia Sheinbaum will become the first woman president in the country's 200-year history.
Expect the cost of your airfare to continue to rise, an aviation trade group and industry heads warn
The cost of your next flight is likely to go up. That's the word from the International Air Transport Association, which held its annual meeting Monday in Dubai.
Oilers advance to Stanley Cup final by beating Stars in Game 6
The Edmonton Oilers rode their special teams and goaltender to victory on Sunday, beating the Dallas Stars 2-1 to win the National Hockey League's Western Conference and earn a berth in the Stanley Cup final against the Florida Panthers.
Toyota apologizes for cheating on vehicle testing and halts production of three models
Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda apologized Monday for massive cheating on certification tests for seven vehicle models as the automaker suspended production of three of them.
Mackenzie Hughes 'gutted' after falling short at RBC Canadian Open
Mackenzie Hughes had the dream scenario of winning the RBC Canadian Open in his hometown within reach but then it all slipped away.