Respiratory virus surveillance after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This article discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on respiratory virus surveillance in British Columbia. The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and the BCCDC Public Health Laboratory have made enhancements to surveillance and laboratory testing practices, including increased testing and genomic sequencing capacities. Wastewater testing has also been incorporated into viral respiratory illness surveillance. Data accessibility and linkages have improved, allowing for the integration of laboratory data with clinical information and demographic records. The BCCDC and the BCCDC Public Health Laboratory use these comprehensive data to provide timely information on viral respiratory illness through public dashboards. The surveillance system aims to provide relevant information to all users and respond efficiently to changing needs. The data collected inform public health action, clinical management, and prevention strategies for viral respiratory illnesses. [Extracted from the article]