MEDICAL ADVISORY: Increase in Influenza A activity Issued by: M. Mustafa Hirji, MD, MPH, FRCPC, Medical Officer of Health & Commissioner
(Acting) Influenza Surveillance - Niagara Region Public Health (NRPH) is reporting an increase in Influenza A activity in the community
- To date, there have been no outbreaks of influenza reported in for the 2021-2022 season
Clinical Considerations - Health care providers are recommended to have a heightened awareness of respiratory symptoms and suspect Influenza and/or COVID-19 as a causative agent
- Patients experiencing mild symptoms consistent with both Influenza and COVID-19 should be advised to self-isolate
Treatment Prevention - All persons are strongly recommended to receive their influenza vaccination if they have not already done so for the 2021-2022 influenza season
- Continue to recommend patients wear masks to project against both influenza and COVID-19
- Encourage staying home when sick
- Practice frequent hand hygiene and cough etiquette
Vaccine
Availability - Health care providers are encouraged to recommend influenza vaccine to all patients over 6 months of age, who have not yet received a dose in the 2021-2022 season
- Particular emphasis on vaccination is encouraged for
- Adults over 65 years of age
- People with underlying medical conditions (e.g. cardiopulmonary or renal
disease, obesity, diabetes, cancer or immunocompromised)
- Children ages 6 months and over
- Pregnant individuals
- Indigenous people
- At this time, the Ministry of Health is not distributing additional influenza vaccine for the 2021-2022 season. Health care professionals who do not have vaccine in office should advise patients to call ahead to inquire about availability of vaccine before arriving at a local pharmacy to receive their flu shot.
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