MEDICAL ADVISORY: Influenza Activity in Niagara

Issued by: Dr. Jessica Jackman, MD MPH FRCPC FACPM DipABLM, Associate Medical Officer of Health

Date: September 24, 2024

Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services has recently received two lab-confirmed cases of influenza A. Influenza activity remains low with sporadic cases being reported throughout Ontario.

Health care providers are encouraged to consider influenza when patients present with respiratory symptoms and to monitor flu activity in Niagara. Patients should be encouraged to use layers of protection to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19 and RSV.

Testing for Influenza

For information on molecular testing for respiratory viruses refer to Respiratory Viruses (including influenza) | Public Health Ontario
See also Eligibility Criteria for Respiratory Virus Testing: At Risk Ambulatory/Emergency Department Patients | Public Health Ontario

Antiviral Medication for Influenza

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.
For more information see Public Health Ontario’s influenza antiviral medication resource

Vaccination

Public Health’s Vaccine Preventable Disease Program has recently shared information about the 2024-2025 seasonal influenza vaccine program
High risk groups will be offered vaccine first. Vaccine for the general population will be available at the end of October, or beginning of November, once additional vaccine supply is available.

Reporting

Influenza must be reported to the Medical Officer of Health under Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments of the Health Protection and Promotion Act
- To report, contact the Infectious Disease Program at 905-688-8248 ext. 7330 (Toll free: 1-888-505-6074)
- After-hours: 905-984-3690

More Information