Latest from Lauren Pelley
Flu circulating at 'sky-high' levels among kids, teens as experts brace for worsening wave of infections
A surge of influenza among school-aged kids is linked to the recent deaths of multiple Ontario children, prompting calls for Canadian families to get vaccinated as medical experts brace for a worsening wave of infections across all age groups.
Children’s hospitals in Canada face flood of flu visits as doctors urge families to get vaccinated
An early start to Canada’s flu season is hitting children hard, sending a flood of young patients into multiple pediatric hospitals as medical teams warn that emergency visits and admissions could keep climbing in the weeks ahead.
New data shows RSV shots prevent ‘most dangerous’ respiratory infection for newborns
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, has long been the leading cause of infant hospitalization in Canada. While real-world studies show new RSV shots are working to keep newborns out of hospital, many Canadian families still don't have access to these groundbreaking tools.
CBC Explains
Is there any point in getting a flu shot that's mismatched to the virus? Here’s what the science says
Some scientists say this year's flu shot isn't well matched to a key strain that could spread widely in the months ahead. So, is there still a point in getting it? Medical experts say: absolutely. Here’s why.
Canada could face ‘worst kind’ of flu season as experts warn evolving strain may be mismatch for vaccine
With flu cases now rising in Canada, medical experts are bracing for a difficult influenza season linked to the global spread of an evolving H3N2 strain that could be a mismatch for this year’s vaccine.
Second Opinion
Can IV cocktails cure hangovers or boost immunity?
Intravenous drips are a booming business in wellness spas, where customers are told that pricey IV cocktails can boost their immunity or combat hangovers. But do they live up to the hype? Medical experts warn are patchwork regulations, a range of possible health risks, and little evidence to back up many clinics’ bold promises.
Heart disease back as top global killer as study highlights 'toll' of chronic conditions, rising youth deaths
A new report on global deaths shows that the top causes of mortality are shifting back to familiar threats like heart disease, dislodging COVID-19 as the number one global killer. Scientists warn there's also another alarming trend: A spike in 'deaths of despair' among youth and young adults.
Canada approved multiple RSV shots to ward off infections this fall — here's how to get them
Multiple RSV vaccines for adults are rolling out in the months ahead, along with two monoclonal antibody shots to provide protection for infants. How you access the various shots will depend on where you live, with some provinces covering certain options and not others.
AI tool cuts unexpected deaths in hospital by 26%, Canadian study finds
A year-and-a-half-long study on Chartwatch, an artificial intelligence system in use at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, shows the tool led to a striking 26 per cent drop in the number of unexpected deaths.
Second Opinion
Whooping cough cases are soaring to new heights in Canada. What's behind the sudden spike?
Canada is seeing more than 12,000 whooping cough infections this year, far more than usual. Scientists say the sudden spike echoes a trend seen around the world. So what's causing such a massive surge in this potentially-deadly bacterial infection?