Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity in Ontario is expected to increase in the coming days as COVID-19 transmission declines, according to a new report.

Public Health Ontario has made short-term projections in a report published on November 1.

The Integrated Respiratory Virus Risk Indicators report, which projects virus activity in the province based on the number of tests that come back positive, shows flu activity expected to increase slightly by Nov. 9 , until November 9. the projections go. The most recent testing data available, according to SPO Ontario Respiratory Virus Tool(which provides an overview of virus activity in the province) shows that Ontario’s flu positivity rate was 0.6 per cent during the week of October 20, which OPH considers low.

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

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

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

In contrast, COVID-19 activity in Ontario appears to be decreasing over the projection period defined by OPH. The percent positivity is still considered “moderate” at 15.9 percent, but is expected to decrease in the short term.

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

The report also examines the risk of severe illness (i.e., hospitalization) for pediatric and adult populations due to viral activity. Although the risk for both groups remains at a “medium” level, it is expected to increase for pediatric patients before November 9 while remaining “stable” for adults.

Ontario health officials say the risk of serious outcomes following RSV infection is highest in people over 60, infants under six months and children less than 24 months old.

Earlier this month, the provincial government expanded its RSV vaccination program to include all babies born in 2024. Previously, only high-risk infants were eligible. Vaccines are also available to people over 60 living in long-term care homes and pregnant women.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available free to Ontarians and can be obtained at most local pharmacies, public health units and primary care providers across the province.