Respiratory virus activity increased across the province during the 2022-23 surveillance season which runs September to August, including co-circulation of influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In the southern hemisphere, several countries experienced both increased activity and an earlier start to their 2023 respiratory virus season. Although it is uncertain how the 2023-24 season will unfold in Ontario, planning for the possibility of continued increases in activity and co-circulation of a number of respiratory viruses is important. This session will provide an overview of respiratory virus activity in Ontario and Canada during the 2022-23 season and the southern hemisphere’s 2023 season. It will also describe the available vaccines and therapeutics for public health management and outline the planned approach to testing across the provincial lab network for respiratory viruses for the upcoming season.
This presentation will be offered twice, both presentations will cover identical information. Please note that CME credits can only be claimed for attending one session. To register for the repeat session, please click here.
Intended audience: Health care providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists), public health staff (nurses, inspectors, Associate/Medical Officers of Health, epidemiologists), and staff of long-term care homes and other congregate settings (administrators, nurses, infection prevention and control staff).
Note: For the best live experience, please ensure you are using a current version of Zoom (5.15.7 or higher) in Chrome or another modern browser to support interactive features.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Summarize the current epidemiological trends in influenza, COVID-19, and RSV activity in Ontario, Canada and internationally.
- List the vaccine products available in Ontario for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV for the 2023-24 season.
- Describe the use and benefits of antiviral medications for the treatment and prevention of influenza.
- Describe the testing options available in Ontario for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV for the 2023-23 season.
About the presenters: Michael Whelan, Dr. Richard Mather, Dr. Maan Hasso
Michael Whelan, MSc., is an epidemiologist lead on the Communicable Diseases team in Health Protection at Public Health Ontario. His portfolio includes influenza and emerging respiratory viruses, tuberculosis, legionellosis, and invasive group A streptococcal disease. Mike completed his MSc. in Epidemiology at Queen’s University.
Dr. Richard Mather, MD, MSc., CCFP, FRCPC, is a public health physician in Health Protection at Public Health Ontario. He is an Assistant Professor at Queen’s University in the Department of Family Medicine and has an MSc in Control of Infectious Diseases from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Dr. Maan Hasso, MD, FRCPC, is a medical microbiologist at Public Health Ontario and leads the viral detection and molecular diagnostic portfolio. He completed his medical degree as well as a Master’s degree in medical microbiology from Baghdad University in Iraq. In 2020 he graduated from the medical microbiology residency and fellowship program in the Department of Laboratory and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto, and completed the certificate in Medical Microbiology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.
Accreditation
PHO Rounds are approved for continuing medical education from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. PHO Rounds are also approved by Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI). For more information, contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
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Accessibility
Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
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