Ontario has issued updated guidance documents to the province's health care sector including ambulatory care settings like doctors' offices, long-term care settings and emergency departments which set out recommendations for managing flu cases. Health care professionals can apply this guidance to diagnose, test, treat and advise their patients about the flu.

On September 24^th, the province announced the rollout of its seasonal and H1N1 flu shot programs using a three phased approach. A bilingual brochure started arriving in mailboxes across Ontario last week outlining who can be vaccinated and when their flu shots will be available.

As part of phase one, Ontario is calling upon seniors 65 years and older and residents in long-term care homes of any age to be vaccinated against the seasonal flu in October. People 65 years and older should contact their local public health unit to find out how to get their seasonal flu shot.  During phase two, the province-wide rollout of the H1N1 vaccine will follow in early November.  Finally, phase three will offer the seasonal flu vaccine to all Ontarians six months of age and older.