In Ontario, seasonal respiratory pathogens, such as Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID-19, historically circulate in highest numbers between November and April. For the 2025-2026 fall and winter seasons, the risk from Influenza, RSV and other respiratory pathogens is expected to be like the previous two seasons and at pre-pandemic years.
How to prepare
RDHs are reminded to follow CDHO’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Guidelines and any relevant updates from public health agencies and government. RDHs are also encouraged to maintain up-to-date vaccinations to help prevent the spread of these pathogens.
- Reinforce IPAC measures to mitigate and manage a respiratory pathogen surge:
- Maintain a supply of PPE.
- Provide staff with training and information on the appropriate use of all PPE.
- Conduct a point-of-care risk assessment before or at every interaction with a client, including active and passive screening.
- Follow public health and Ministry of Health recommendations.
- Communicate and reinforce public health recommendations and other response strategies with clients.
- Screen high-risk clients for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza.
- Report cases and unusual clusters of influenza-like illness activity to the local public health unit, as required under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
The Ministry of Health has updated the Seasonal Respiratory Pathogen Guide, which sets expectations for health system partners and includes the current respiratory pathogens risk outlook and planning scenarios. RDHs are encouraged to review Appendix C of the guide that includes resources on:
- Provincial surveillance data on respiratory pathogens
- NACI immunization recommendations
- Infection Prevention & Control and Outbreak Management
If you have any questions, please get in touch with our Practice Advisor at advice@cdho.org or 1-800-268-2346 (press 3).