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Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some people, such as older people, young children and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The flu is the leading cause of death from infectious disease in Canada.1 The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. In Ontario, surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) is done year round by public health authorities, laboratory staff, community and institutionally based health care providers. The Ontario Influenza Bulletin is a surveillance report containing a summary of clinical information, laboratory respiratory virus testing results and reports of institutional respiratory infection outbreaks for the current week and for the season. Now that provincial surveillance functions have transferred to Public Health Ontario, all information provided by health units will be collated and analyzed by Public Health Ontario and published in the Ontario Influenza Bulletin. The Ontario Influenza Bulletin contains summarized ILI surveillance information.
Influenza Surveillance Weeks 2011–2012
Bulletins and archives from previous seasons are available on the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website. Further Information
Information About Avian Influenza For latest information on the status of avian influenza worldwide, please visit Public Health Agency of Canada
1. Life and Breath: Respiratory Disease in Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada 2007. |
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