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Physicians' Update

Recent Articles (November 2024)

People who smoke have as high as a 1-in-3 chance of developing lung cancer when also exposed to long-term high levels of radon gas making radon exposure another important reason to quit smoking and test for radon.
All homes have some level of radon and levels vary depending on geology and building characteristics.
Test kits for radon gas are readily available and start at a cost of $48, including fees for laboratory analysis.

Proactive planning for long-term care and retirement homes during the Influenza season: recommendations from the Ministry of Health and Public Health Ontario.
In an influenza outbreak situation in long-term care and retirement homes, timely post-exposure prophylaxis with oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is an important preventive intervention.

With HCV RNA reflex testing in Ontario, OPH can assess infectiousness when test results are received, and therefore will no longer initiate case investigation/management for individuals who test positive for HCV antibody and negative for HCV RNA (Ab+/RNA-). These individuals are considered non-infectious.
When Ab+/RNA- results are received, a letter from OPH is sent with guidance on interpretation of the results and indications for further testing. This simplified process eliminates the need for additional follow-up from OPH.
It is recommended that patients who test positive for HC be tested for HAV, HBV and HIV and receive publicly-funded immunization for HAV and HBV. They are eligible for HIV PrEP.

The provincial HIV testing algorithm and requisition have been updated.
A recent review article can help guide STI testing for MSM.
GetaKit is an online assessment and mail-out system for sexual health services, including HIV and STI testing, for residents of Ottawa aged 18 years and older.

Starting December 1, 2024, CHEO’s blood work policy is changing to ensure the best care for children with specialized needs.
The following new referral process will help ensure children needing specialized blood work receive the proper phlebotomy approach they need at CHEO: all referrals for patients outside of CHEO must be made by a doctor or NP . For specialized cases in children over five years of age, physicians and NPs are asked to fill out an exception form.
For patients not currently visiting or admitted to CHEO, blood work is provided for all children under five and for children over five with specialized needs. This includes Quebec patients. All other tests for children over five will be handled by community labs.

Always available 2SLGBTQ Foundations Course, open to Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Physician’s Assistants
Mainpro+ Certification: 3.5 Mainpro-M1 credits (Ontario ONLY)
Ongoing Registration. Course Registration Fee: $30. You will need to create an account.

from 12:00PM - 1:15pm EST : January 13 | January 27 | February 10 | March 3 | March 24, 2025
6.25 RCPSC Section 1 hours | 6.25 CFPC Mainpro+ Credits
Early Bird Deadline: December 16, 2024
Registration. Full Program.

Influenza and Respiratory Infection Surveillance Resources 2024-25, Public Health Ontario (PHO)
Preventing Pneumococcal Disease in Adults and Children, Infographic from Immunize Canada.
14 Common Myths about COVID-19 Vaccine, Busted. Factsheets from Immunize Canada.