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Public Information Health Care Providers News Media Text Only Version |
Ontario Influenza Bulletins 2005-2006 Season
Influenza has been a reportable disease in Ontario since 1923. A highly contagious acute viral disease of the respiratory tract, influenza continues to be a major cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in Ontario. Influenza viruses are divided into three types, designated A, B, and C. Influenza types A and B are responsible for epidemics of respiratory illness. It is estimated that annually influenza and community-acquired pneumonia account for 60,000 hospitalizations and 8,000 deaths, most of which occur among elderly persons1. Groups at increased risk for influenza complications include the elderly, immuno-compromised and persons with chronic medical conditions. In Canada, on average, 500-1,500 deaths every year are due to influenza alone. Annual attack rates in Canada range from 10 to 20 per cent each year and can be considerably higher in epidemics. Current control measures in Canada include vaccination and chemoprophylaxis with anti-virals. The antigenic characteristics of the circulating strains provide the basis for selecting the strains that are included in the annual influenza vaccine. Definitions for Influenza Activity Levels
Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) Definitions :
A) ILI in the general population : B) ILI/Influenza outbreaks: |
Call the ministry INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free in Ontario only) TTY 1-800-387-5559 Hours of operation : 8:30am - 5:00pm |
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