Evidence of the flu’s impact on Ottawa is still evident in wastewater samples and local hospitals, but there are signs of progress as well. According to the latest update from Ottawa Public Health (OPH), traces of influenza in the city’s wastewater are currently four times higher than the levels detected during the corresponding period in 2024 and 2025, showing an improvement from the previous week when levels were 12 times higher than in previous years.
Additionally, local hospitals are still experiencing a higher percentage of patients with respiratory issues compared to previous years, with about 17% this year compared to an average of around 13% over three years. The proportion peaked at approximately 24% in mid-December. In the week starting December 28, OPH reported that more than double the number of patients were hospitalized with flu than with both COVID-19 and RSV combined. COVID-19 levels are considered moderate and stable, while other respiratory viruses like RSV are deemed high and stable.
The healthcare system in Ottawa has been facing challenges coping with the current respiratory illness season. The Queensway Carleton Hospital recently announced that it was operating at 16% over capacity, with 29 patients in the emergency department awaiting admission due to the lack of available beds. CHEO, Ottawa’s children’s hospital, has also expressed concerns regarding the ongoing flu season and continues to advocate for vaccination against the viral illness.
Tragically, three children aged between five and nine passed away in the first half of December due to influenza-related complications, as confirmed by health officials in Ottawa and the Eastern Ontario Health Unit. In addition to vaccination, OPH recommends preventive measures such as maintaining hand hygiene, disinfecting common surfaces, practicing proper cough etiquette, and wearing masks to curb the spread of the flu.
