Influenza Season 2019-20

Resources for Family Physicians

Public Health Ontario (PHO) has developed the following resources to help health care practitioners prepare for the upcoming 2019-20 influenza season: 

1. Influenza Vaccines for the 2019-20 Influenza Season Fact Sheet - This fact sheet provides considerations regarding influenza vaccines that are available through the Universal Influenza Immunization Program, with a focus on vaccines available for adults 65 years and over (i.e., high-dose trivalent vaccine and standard-dose quadrivalent vaccines). 
2. Antiviral Medications for Seasonal Influenza: Information for Health Care Providers, 2019 - A question and answer document providing detailed information on the use of antiviral medications. 
3. Influenza Antiviral Medication Fact Sheet: Quick Reference, 2019 - A short, quick reference document to support clinicians in using influenza antiviral medications for treatment and - in institutional outbreaks - for prevention. 

In addition to these resources, the extended Ontario Respiratory Pathogen Bulletin (ORPB) will be available beginning November 1, 2019. The ORPB allows users to observe the onset, duration, conclusion, geographic patterns, severity and progression of seasonal influenza activity. New this season - more map features to visualize influenza data trends at the local public health unit level. 

Other Resources 

• Public Health Ontario Grand Rounds (October 1, 2019) - Slides and audio available 
• PHO Website
• Public Health Canada - FluWatch website
  • Weekly Flu Reports 
  • Flu Activity Map (Canada) 

Check back on this page in the coming weeks for more influenza resources and updates. For more detailed information, visit the Public Health Ontario website or contact [email protected].