PHO Rounds: An Update on Influenza for the 2022-23 Season

This session is also being offered on September 29th. With the lifting of many of the provincial public health measures implemented during earlier phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as increased influenza virus activity in the southern hemisphere, it is important to plan for the possibility of co-circulation of COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory viruses in the upcoming 2022-23 season.

This session will describe:
• The epidemiology of the southern hemisphere’s 2022 influenza season and the possible implications for the northern hemisphere.
• The vaccine products available as part of Ontario’s Universal Influenza Immunization Program.
• Influenza treatment and outbreak management in the context of possible co-circulation with other respiratory viruses.
• The respiratory virus testing algorithm for PHO laboratories.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• Describe historic trends in influenza and respiratory virus activity observed following reopening phases of the pandemic in Ontario, Canada, and internationally.
• Describe influenza vaccine products available as part of Ontario’s Universal Influenza Immunization Program 2022-23.
• Understand the use and benefits of antiviral medications for the treatment and prevention of influenza.
• Understand influenza and other respiratory virus laboratory testing processes for the 2022-23 season.

Presenters: Dr. Christine Navarro and Dr. Jonathan Gubbay