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

For information on influenza testing, including test eligibility, refer to Respiratory Viruses (including influenza) Test Information Index - Public Health Ontario

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
- 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 and Promotion 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