Ontario hospitals warn of massive spike in ICU admissions for influenza

The Ontario Hospital Association issued a statement Tuesday, saying there was an alarming increase in cases, which have now hit a three-year high.

Ontario’s influenza cases are skyrocketing, according to the province’s hospitals, with a growing number of people admitted into intensive care.

The Ontario Hospital Association issued a statement Tuesday, warning of an alarming increase in cases, which have now hit a three-year high.

The group said last week, patients with flu were up 150 per cent, hospital admissions grew by 84 per cent, and the number of people in intensive care hit 127 per cent.

Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Kieran Moore, had previously issued a statement urging people to get vaccinated and maintain habits like hand washing.

At the time, he said COVID-19 and RSV levels were low, but influenza was on course to peak as early as December.

The Ontario Hospital Association echoed the call.

“With flu cases expected to peak as early as mid-December in some regions and given that the vaccine takes about two weeks to reach full effectiveness, getting vaccinated now is crucial to ensure you are protected when virus circulation is at its highest,” its president, Anthony Dale, said in a statement.

Before MPPs headed off on a 14-week winter break, Global News asked Health Minister Sylvia Jones to stop and talk about the growing number of cases. She did not respond as she walked past.