Influenza and RSV activity expected to increase in Ontario: report

A new report shows that influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity in Ontario is expected to increase over the next few days as COVID-19 transmission decreases.

Public Health Ontario short-term forecasts report It was released on November 1.

The Integrated Respiratory Virus Risk Indicators report, which makes predictions about viral activity in the province based on the number of positive tests, shows that flu activity is expected to increase slightly by November 9. projections continue. Latest testing data available according to PHO Ontario Respiratory Virus ToolIt shows that the flu positivity rate in Ontario (which provides a snapshot of viral activity in the province) was 0.6 per cent for the week of October 20, which PHO considers low.

New data shows influenza activity in Ontario is expected to increase slightly in the short term. (Ontario Public Health)

Meanwhile, the report shows that the RSV positivity rate was relatively high at 1.4 percent during the same period, but is expected to grow with a steeper curve than flu activity until the second week of November.

RSV activity in Ontario is expected to increase before November 9. (Ontario Public Health)

In contrast, COVID-19 activity in Ontario appears to be declining over the projection period mapped by PHO. Percent positivity is still listed as “moderate” at 15.9 percent, but is expected to decrease in the short term.

Data released by Public Health Ontario shows that COVID-19 activity in the province is expected to decrease in the coming days. (PHO)

The report also examines the risk of serious illness (e.g., hospitalization) in both the pediatric and adult populations as a result of viral activity. While the risk remains “moderate” for both groups, it is expected to increase before November 9 in pediatric patients and remain “stable” in adults.

Health officials in Ontario have stated that the risk of serious outcomes following RSV infection is highest among people over 60 years of age, infants younger than six months, and children younger than 24 months.

Earlier this month, the state government expanded the RSV vaccination program to cover all babies born in 2024. Previously, only high-risk babies were eligible. Individuals over the age of 60 and pregnant women living in long-term care homes can also be vaccinated.

Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines are available at no cost to Ontarians and are available at most local pharmacies, public health units and primary care providers in the province.