Health officials in Ontario are warning of a spike in a virulent form of Influenza A that has already claimed the lives of three children.

And that’s cause for concern in this province as well.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald is urging all residents of this province 6 months of age or older to book a flu vaccine as soon as possible if they haven’t already.

Public health officials say the influenza season has started earlier than usual in Canada with a higher than usual number of cases reported, and more complications, hospitalizations and deaths. Children in particular are being seriously affected by the current outbreak in Ontario, and flu activity is starting to rise in this province as the Christmas holiday season approaches.

Almost all cases reported to date involve Influenza A.

Most of those affected have been people over the age of 65, however, one quarter of cases were reported in children under the age of 10.

Health and Community Services says vaccination is the best way to protect against potential serious complications from the flu. Dr. Janice Fitzgerald will deliver an update to reporters this morning at 11:00 at Confederation Building. VOCM News will be there.