MEDICAL ADVISORY: Niagara’s First Confirmed Case of Influenza  

Issued by: M. Mustafa Hirji, MD, MPH, FRCPC, Medical Officer of Health & Commissioner (Acting)

On Sept. 22, 2022, Niagara Region Public Health received its first laboratory confirmed case of Influenza A for the 2022-2023 season. To date there have been no outbreaks of influenza reported in Niagara for 2022-2023.  However, a confirmed case often means that influenza is already transmitting in our community. Health care providers are encouraged to have a heightened awareness of respiratory symptoms and keep up to date with flu activity in Niagara Region.

The southern hemisphere saw an unusually early and strong flu season this year, likely related to decreased immunity following two years with low flu activity. Influenza is one of the leading causes of hospitalizations and deaths in Canada, with severe illness more likely among children, elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. Yet, COVID-19 has demonstrated that some key measures are effective in preventing transmission of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wearing a mask while indoors or in large outdoor crowds
• Staying home when sick
• Regular hand-washing
• Regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces
• Vaccination: staying up-to-date with both COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations

Patients experiencing mild symptoms consistent with either Influenza or COVID-19 should be advised to self-isolate. Refer to our website for community guidance on self-isolation

Testing for Influenza

• The preferred and most sensitive method of diagnosis for seasonal influenza virus is the nasopharyngeal swab (NP) for those patients identified to be high risk for influenza complications
• For more information on Influenza testing, refer to Respiratory Viruses (including influenza) Test Information Index - Public Health Ontario

Anti-viral Treatment

• For those at risk of complications, oseltamivir (Tamiflu), started within 24 hours of symptom onset, is recommended. Therapy should not be delayed while awaiting test results given the short window to begin treatment.

Vaccination

• Like COVID-19, the influenza vaccine is very important for preventing severe symptoms, hospitalizations and deaths related to the viral infection
  • The influenza vaccine is scheduled to be distributed early October. Administer to high-risk populations during the month of October, followed by the general population beginning in November.
• The flu vaccine can be given at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine, so there is no time interval that is required to wait between doses. Health care providers should strongly recommend the influenza vaccine to all persons over 6 months of age (though high-risk priority groups should be vaccinated first).
  • For more information refer to our seasonal influenza webpage

Reporting Requirements for Health Care Providers

As a reminder, influenza is a Disease of Public Health Significance (DOPHS) under the Health Protection Act (HPPA).  To report a DOPHS, contact the Infectious Disease Program at:

• 905-688-8248 at ext. 7330
• Toll free: 1-888-505-6074
• Emergency after-hours: 905-984-3690

More Information

• Influenza (flu) | Public Health Ontario
• Case Definitions and Disease Specific Information: Influenza - Ministry of Health
• Universal Influenza Immunization Program 2022-2023 MOHLTC
• Influenza Immunization Qs & As - Ministry of Health
• Antiviral Medication for Influenza - Public Health Ontario