Medical Advisory: Fall 2023 Influenza Status Update
Hamilton Public Health Services (PHS) is notifying the healthcare community that over the past two weeks, influenza test positivity has increased above 5%, signaling the beginning of the 2023-2024 influenza season.
Influenza A outbreaks have occurred in high priority settings this season, and there continues to be ongoing transmission of COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Hamilton. PHS recommends all people over 6 months of age receive a seasonal influenza vaccine. This is especially important for healthcare workers.
Vaccination Information
On December 13, PHS issued a media release with the following key messages:
- Individuals over 6 months old are recommended to receive a dose of the COVID-19 XBB vaccine if it has been six months since their last dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection.
- COVID-19 and flu vaccine administration for ages 6 months to under 5 years old may vary across pharmacies. Individuals are encouraged to contact the pharmacy before booking an appointment to confirm.
- Individuals aged 60 years and older in the following populations can receive publicly funded Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines through their long-term care home, retirement home or healthcare provider:
- Residents of long-term care homes and retirement homes providing dementia care
- Hospitalized patients awaiting placement
- Dialysis and transplant patients
- Indigenous people
- People experiencing homelessness
Additional influenza vaccine information, including where to access clinic locations can be found by visiting www.hamilton.ca/flu.
Treatment Recommendations
Treatment with antiviral medications can decrease the duration of influenza symptoms and may reduce risk of influenza-related complications, including hospitalization and death. When influenza is circulating in the community, antiviral treatment for high-risk priority groups should be started as soon as possible. The Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI) recommends antiviral treatment for influenza for people who are at higher risk of complications of influenza (including those over 65 years of age, pregnant people and those with underlying medical conditions). For additional information regarding recommendations on use of antiviral treatment for influenza, please see resources from AMMI and Public Health Ontario.
Early antiviral therapy is particularly important for people living in congregate living settings, including long-term-care homes. Having antiviral prescriptions in advance helps prevent delays in starting therapy during potential influenza outbreaks for both staff and residents. Initiation of therapy should not wait for laboratory confirmation of influenza.
Reporting Requirements
Influenza is reportable to the Medical Officer of Health under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.7. To report confirmed cases of Influenza please fax the Infectious Disease Program at 905-546-4078.
To report a suspect or confirmed outbreak to Hamilton Public Health Services please notify the Outbreak Management Program by calling 905-546-2063. If calling afterhours or on weekends, please ask to speak with the Public Health Inspector on-call.