The health unit says during the last flu season, there were three flu outbreaks in total at PRHC and long-term care homes, compared to 10 the year prior.

If you, during this pandemic time, are experiencing symptoms of health concern, do not ignore them, Roy Green says.

Ottawa Public Health is holding six flu shot clinics across the city for seven days a week in an effort to vaccinate as many residents as possible.

Public health officials say it's especially important this year because the flu mimics some of the symptoms of COVID-19.

Staff at doctors' offices and pharmacies are handing out doses of Fluzone HD almost as fast as they can stock them. 

'A lot of people have not had flu shots in 20 years or 30 years or ever and this is the first time for some people, but they are scared.'

Quebec regional health authorities and pharmacies are bracing for a record year as demand for the seasonal flu shot is at a never-before-seen high.

Last flu season's numbers, from September 2019 until the middle of March 2020, included 403 people hospitalized, 40 people admitted to ICU, and 29 deaths. 

"We already have more booking appointments this year so far ... compared to all the flu shots we did last year at our location," one pharmacist said.

"We found that there was a lineup right in the morning for a lot of flu shots and it's been nonstop since then."