MEDICAL ADVISORY: Niagara's First Confirmed Case of Influenza
Issued by: Dr. Emily Groot, MD MPH FRCPC, Associate Medical Officer of Health
Date: October 4, 2023
On Oct. 2, 2023, Niagara Region Public Health received the first laboratory-confirmed case report of Influenza A in the 2023-2024 season. To date, there have been no outbreaks of influenza reported in Niagara for 2023-2024. However, a confirmed case often means that influenza is already being transmitted in our community. Health care providers are encouraged to have a heightened awareness of respiratory symptoms and continue to monitor flu activity in the Niagara region.
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. Patients experiencing symptoms consistent with influenza or other respiratory illness (e.g., Covid-19) should be advised to stay home to prevent transmission to others until:
- They have no fever, without the use of fever reducing medication and
- Their symptoms have been
improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if they have nausea, vomiting and / or diarrhea), and
- They are not developing any new symptoms
Refer to our website for more information on staying home when sick.
Testing for Influenza
Antiviral Treatment
- Antiviral medications may be used for both the prevention (i.e., chemoprophylaxis) and treatment of seasonal influenza. In Canada, two neuraminidase inhibitors – oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and Zanamivir (Relenza) – are licensed for the treatment and prevention of seasonal influenza. Antiviral medication should be given as soon as
possible and optimally within 48 hours of symptom onset. Therapy should not be delayed while awaiting test results given the short window to begin treatment.
Vaccination
- The influenza vaccine reduces symptom severity, hospitalizations, and deaths related to influenza infection
- The influenza vaccine is scheduled to be distributed to health care providers by October 18, 2023. Health care providers are encouraged to administer to high-risk
populations during the month of October, followed by the general population beginning October 30, 2023.
- The flu vaccine can be given at the same time as, or any time before or after, a COVID-19 vaccine
- The influenza vaccine is recommended for all persons over 6 months of age
Reporting Requirements for Health Care Providers
More Information