Medical Advisory: Increase in Influenza A activity

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
- Refer to our website for community guidance on self-isolation

Treatment

Influenza antivirals are recommended, starting within 24 hours of symptom onset, for those at risk of complications. Treatment should not be delayed while awaiting test results given that treatment must be administered early in the course of illness
See the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada guidelines for more information.

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.

More Information