Health Care Provider Alert — Influenza

Published on 27 October 202227 October 2022

Influenza A has been lab-confirmed in Sioux Lookout, Atikokan, and Kenora over the weekend.

Actions

Promote flu shots for all patients
Promote proper hand hygiene and staying home when sick
Exclude symptomatic visitors from hospitals and Long Term Care except in extenuating circumstances, with an IPAC safety plan appropriately implemented
Encourage active symptom screening in facilities and in primary care settings
Promote use of masks in high-risk settings
Educate high-risk patients about seeking care and antiviral treatment if eligible. This includes: babies too young for flu shots, all children under 5, anyone aged 65 and older, pregnant people, and people with underlying health conditions
Report lab confirmed influenza cases to Northwestern Health Unit
Report new onset of influenza-like illness in hospitalized patients or residents to NWHU; report to NWHU if you suspect an outbreak in a hospital or LTC

Northwestern Health Unit is putting out communication to the public and through schools and child care centres to inform the public about the risk.

Contact:
Donna Stanley
Manager Infectious Diseases
Northwestern Health Unit
807-223-3301
dstanley@nwhu.on.ca