Ontario changing the way it monitors H1N1

[Shiloh]

Source: http://southwesternontario.ctv.ca/news.php?id=5017
(To access video report click source above)

Ontario changing the way it monitors H1N1
Updated Sat. Jun. 27 2009 12:07 AM ET

Ontario is falling in line with how other provinces test people suspected of having H1N1.

The province is asking health-care providers to only test flu patients who are vulnerable.

The change comes because the Health Ministry says most people who are tested don't have H1N1.

Officials add there's no point in routine testing once the flu is widespread in the community.

Most cases in the country have been mild.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Ontario changing the way it monitors H1N1

Source: http://www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1632757



Ontario to reduce H1N1 testing
Posted By CHRIS DOUCETTE, SUN MEDIA
Posted 9 hours ago


Ontario has had 3,154 confirmed cases of swine flu since April, but provincial health officials have decided they'll no longer be testing everyone who shows symptoms of the H1N1 strain.

Since the virus surfaced two months ago, physicians across the province have been testing each and every patient suspected of having H1N1. But the Ministry of Health announced yesterday that such testing is of "little value" and the money can be better spent combating the potentially deadly illness in other ways.

"It hinders the ability of the province's public health laboratory system to expedite the testing of hospitalized cases and suspected outbreak since the virus surfaced two months ago," Dr. Arlene King, Ontario's chief medical officer of health, said yesterday.

"A large majority of the results have shown either the patient didn't have the flu or had symptoms similar to those of seasonal influenza," she pointed out. "And in either case, testing has no effect on determining the treatment."

So far, 12,267 Ontarians have been tested and 2,587, or 21.1%, have been found to have swine flu.

King said the province will continue the testing of all hospitalized cases and when there are suspected outbreaks in schools or in the workplace.

The Ministry of Health will also provide weekly updates on H1N1 every Friday on its web site at www.health.gov. on.ca.