January 2020

The Flu is Taking Children’s Hospitals by Storm

It’s a new decade, which means a refreshing opportunity for new research, new treatments, and new advancements in children’s health. The state of children’s healthcare from 2000 to 2010 has improved drastically, so we’re optimistic about how much further Canadian children’s hospitals will be in 2030.

That said, our challenges from the past have not disappeared. For instance, the common flu is a problem children’s hospitals deal with every year, and this season has been particularly challenge for Canadians. Prepare for battle, because influenza B has taken us by storm.

Children are the primary target of this aggressive case of influenza that has launched 2020 into a state of distress. 59 per cent of influenza B cases affect people under the age of 20, and its impact can already be seen across Canada in our children’s hospitals.
A report from FluWatch, Canada’s public health agency, has documented 258 cases of flu-related hospitalization of children from mid-December 2019 to early January 2020.

The effects of this growing health challenge are being felt at our hospitals. For example, as of January 14, 2020, CHEO reported more than 65 cases of influenza B. Compared to only three cases at the same time last year, there’s no telling how many more will be infected.

As Canada’s children’s hospitals make huge strides in health care for kids, and ultimately Canada as a whole, we still have a lot of work to do. Together, our foundations and our partners will continue to fight for support and funding for research, facilities, treatments, and more. We’re inspired, passionate and prepared. Because if we can change the health of children, we can change the health of Canada.