Flu blamed in deaths of 3 children in Ottawa area this month

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Three children between the ages of five and nine have died from complications of influenza this month, health officials in Ottawa and a neighbouring region said Monday.

Ottawa Public Health and the Eastern Ontario Health Unit did not specify where or when the children died. Both health authorities are renewing their call for everyone to get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible.

"Vaccination is especially important this season for children due to the rise in severe illness. Parents and caregivers can help protect children by being vaccinated themselves," the health units said a statement.

CHEO, Ottawa's children's hospital, warned of a concerning rise in flu-related visits last month. Last week, the hospital asked family doctors in the region to step up their flu-fighting efforts.

As of the last official update from Ottawa Public Health, flu levels in the capital were "very high" and rising.

National flu statistics require some context because different jurisdictions report data differently.

As of Dec. 6, fewer than five children had died from the flu at 15 children's hospitals across eight of the 10 provinces including Ontario.