TORONTO - Ontario is changing the way it monitors the H1N1 flu virus, asking health-care providers to only test vulnerable patients who are experiencing flu symptoms.
The surveillance activities are changing because the Health Ministry says the majority of people who get tested do not have H1N1.
It also brings Ontario in line with the testing being done in other provinces.
Dr. Arlene King, Ontario's chief medical officer of health, also says there is little value in routine testing once the flu is widespread in the community.
Lab testing will now focus on the surveillance of hospitalized cases, cases with underlying conditions and vulnerable populations.
Reporting of the H1N1 virus will also change, as the ministry will begin to update both H1N1 and seasonal flu activity across the province every Friday instead of daily.
