Key Messages
- Immunization against seasonal influenza has been shown to reduce the number of hospitalizations and deaths.
- Laboratory testing for influenza is not available to community-based healthcare providers in Ontario and is limited to patients in specific settings.
- Empiric treatment with antivirals is recommended by AMMI in suspected influenza cases who are at high-risk of influenza complications or with progressive, severe, or complicated illness.
- Confirmed cases of influenza and institutional respiratory outbreaks are reportable to local public health units under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
Local Epidemiology |
To obtain the latest statistics on influenza and other circulating respiratory viruses:
Note: the incidence of laboratory confirmed cases of influenza and other respiratory viruses in the community is greatly under-reported because the majority of persons with influenza-like illness (ILI) do not require or seek medical care, and do not undergo (are not eligible for) laboratory testing. |
Signs and Symptoms |
Symptoms: include, but are not limited to:
Duration of illness: In most people, illness resolves within five to seven days. Complications are most common in the very young and the elderly; the mortality rate from influenza is highest in the elderly. |
Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Measures |
Key IPAC measure to prevent transmission in clinical office settings:
Mode of transmission:Influenza virus particles are easily spread by contact and droplets which are released from infected persons when they sneeze, cough, or talk. Period of communicability:People become infectious 24 hours prior to onset of symptoms; viral shedding in nasal secretions usually peaks during the first three days of illness and ceases within seven days but can be prolonged in young children, the elderly and those who are immunocompromised. For more information about IPAC:
Guidelines for all healthcare settings:
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Diagnosis / Laboratory testing |
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Reporting to Public Health |
Report all suspected and confirmed respiratory outbreaks in institutions (e.g., hospitals, LTCH, retirement homes, shelters) to Ottawa Public Health by calling 613-580-2424 extension 26325. After hours, on weekends, or holidays: call 3-1-1 and ask to speak to the public health on call. |
Management of Patients |
Most people will fully recover from influenza without medical intervention or antiviral treatment. Influenza management focuses on rest, fluid intake, and symptom management if necessary. Symptomatic persons should be encouraged to remain at home (avoid school/work and social events) to avoid transmitting influenza to others, especially those at high risk of complications. Who is recommended to receive antivirals?Antiviral treatment with oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (Relenza®) is recommended by AMMI for influenza-like illness (ILI) if:
People at high risk of influenza-related complications or hospitalization are:
For those with influenza, treatment with oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (Relenza®) shortens the duration of the symptoms and reduces the risk of complications. *Refer to AMMI guidelines for recommendations for children When to prescribe antivirals:
Resources on how to prescribe antivirals for influenza:
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Management of Institutional Outbreaks |
Report all suspected and confirmed respiratory outbreaks in institutions (e.g., hospitals, LTCH, retirement homes, shelters) to Ottawa Public Health by calling 613-580-2424 ex 26325 or call 3-1-1 during evenings, weekends and holidays. Ottawa Public Health will assist you with outbreak management. Access OPH resources on Long-Term Care Facilities and Retirement Homes Outbreaks. Other resources for outbreak management:
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Immunization |
Please visit our Influenza vaccine information for health professionals page for more information. |
Patient Information |
Patient information is available at:
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Physician Resources |
Laboratory Testing:
Surveillance reports:
Infection Prevention and Control:
Guidelines for all healthcare settings:
Prescribing antivirals for influenza:
Outbreak management:
Immunization:
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Contact Us
If you want to notify Ottawa Public Health about a suspected or confirmed respiratory outbreak in an institution, please contact us at 613-580-2424, extension 26325 or call 3-1-1 during evenings, weekends and holidays and ask to speak to public health on call.
Contact Us