Nova Scotia Has 80 New Cases of H1N1
Health Promotion and Protection
October 27, 2009 3:39 PM
NOTE: A social media version of this release, including hi-res, downloadable photographs, video and audio clips is available at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2009-10-27-h1n1.asp .
Canada is experiencing the second wave of the H1N1 virus. This means that increased flu activity is being witnessed across the country, including Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia has seen 80 new lab-confirmed cases of H1N1, and one hospitalization, since influenza re-emerged this fall.
There has been one H1N1-related death in Nova Scotia, in July.
H1N1 activity has been highest in the Guysborough-Antigonish Strait Health Authority and Capital Health.
"An increase in H1N1 activity was fully expected in our province with the start of the fall flu season," said Dr. Robert Strang, chief public health officer for the province. "That's why I strongly encourage Nova Scotians to get the vaccine as soon as it is made available in their area. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community.
"H1N1 is a community virus. We can expect to see it everywhere in our communities -- schools, grocery stores, day cares, libraries and more."
Women in the second half of their pregnancy, and women at any stage of pregnancy with chronic health conditions, are most at risk of complications from H1N1 and seasonal flu.
Because of increased H1N1 activity in Nova Scotia, Dr. Strang recommends pregnant women, at 20 weeks gestation or less, who have pre-existing health conditions, consider receiving adjuvanted vaccine. It is also recommended that all pregnant women in the second half of their pregnancy (more than 20 weeks gestation) receive adjuvanted vaccine.
Healthy pregnant women in the first half of their pregnancy are at less risk of complications, and can wait to receive the unadjuvanted vaccine. Unadjuvanted vaccine will start to be available in Nova Scotia next week.
H1N1 vaccine will be available, free of charge, to all Nova Scotians who want it. H1N1 clinic dates and times from across the province are available at www.gov.ns.ca/H1N1 or through HealthLink 811.
This is the largest immunization campaign in the province's history. Dr. Strang urged Nova Scotians to be patient and to get the vaccine when it becomes available at a clinic in their community.
In addition to getting vaccinated, Dr. Strang said Nova Scotians should continue to take other precautions to avoid illness:
-- Most importantly, stay home if sick with flu-like symptoms, which are fever and/or cough with unusual tiredness, head/muscle/joint aches or sore throat.
-- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after a sneeze or cough. When soap and water are not handy, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are an acceptable alternative.
-- Cough and sneeze into elbow or sleeve.
-- If using tissues, dispose of them appropriately and wash hands.
-- Limit touching eyes, nose and mouth.
-- Do not share drinking glasses, water bottles, mouth guards, cosmetics or eating utensils.
-- If concerned that medical advice or care is needed, contact HealthLink 811. Like any illness, should symptoms worsen, visit a doctor or walk-in clinic.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Canada is experiencing the second wave of the H1N1
virus meaning increased flu activity in Nova Scotia.
The province has had 80 new lab-confirmed cases of
H1N1, and one hospitalization, since influenza re-emerged
this fall.
There has been one H1N1-related death in Nova Scotia,
in July.
H1N1 activity has been highest in the Guysborough-
Antigonish Strait Health Authority and Capital Health.
Dr. Robert Strang, chief public health officer for the
province says an increase in H1N1 activity was expected and
that's why he is strongly encouraging Nova Scotians to get
the vaccine as soon as it is available in their area.
Dr. Strang recommends pregnant women, at 20 weeks
gestation or less, who have pre-existing health conditions,
consider receiving adjuvanted vaccine. It is also
recommended that all pregnant women in the second half of
their pregnancy receive adjuvanted vaccine.
Healthy pregnant women in the first half of their
pregnancy can wait to receive the unadjuvanted vaccine,
which will start to be available in Nova Scotia next week.
H1N1 vaccine is free of charge to all Nova Scotians who
want it. H1N1 clinic dates and times from across the
province are available at w-w-w dot gov dot n-s dot c-a
slash H1N1 or through HealthLink 811.
-30-
Media Contact: Rachel Boomer
Health Promotion and Protection
902-424-5323
Cell: 902-222-0266
E-mail: rachel.boomer@gov.ns.ca
NOTE: A social media version of this release, including hi-res, downloadable photographs, video and audio clips is available at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2009-10-27-h1n1.asp .
Canada is experiencing the second wave of the H1N1 virus. This means that increased flu activity is being witnessed across the country, including Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia has seen 80 new lab-confirmed cases of H1N1, and one hospitalization, since influenza re-emerged this fall.
There has been one H1N1-related death in Nova Scotia, in July.
H1N1 activity has been highest in the Guysborough-Antigonish Strait Health Authority and Capital Health.
"An increase in H1N1 activity was fully expected in our province with the start of the fall flu season," said Dr. Robert Strang, chief public health officer for the province. "That's why I strongly encourage Nova Scotians to get the vaccine as soon as it is made available in their area. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community.
"H1N1 is a community virus. We can expect to see it everywhere in our communities -- schools, grocery stores, day cares, libraries and more."
Women in the second half of their pregnancy, and women at any stage of pregnancy with chronic health conditions, are most at risk of complications from H1N1 and seasonal flu.
Because of increased H1N1 activity in Nova Scotia, Dr. Strang recommends pregnant women, at 20 weeks gestation or less, who have pre-existing health conditions, consider receiving adjuvanted vaccine. It is also recommended that all pregnant women in the second half of their pregnancy (more than 20 weeks gestation) receive adjuvanted vaccine.
Healthy pregnant women in the first half of their pregnancy are at less risk of complications, and can wait to receive the unadjuvanted vaccine. Unadjuvanted vaccine will start to be available in Nova Scotia next week.
H1N1 vaccine will be available, free of charge, to all Nova Scotians who want it. H1N1 clinic dates and times from across the province are available at www.gov.ns.ca/H1N1 or through HealthLink 811.
This is the largest immunization campaign in the province's history. Dr. Strang urged Nova Scotians to be patient and to get the vaccine when it becomes available at a clinic in their community.
In addition to getting vaccinated, Dr. Strang said Nova Scotians should continue to take other precautions to avoid illness:
-- Most importantly, stay home if sick with flu-like symptoms, which are fever and/or cough with unusual tiredness, head/muscle/joint aches or sore throat.
-- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after a sneeze or cough. When soap and water are not handy, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are an acceptable alternative.
-- Cough and sneeze into elbow or sleeve.
-- If using tissues, dispose of them appropriately and wash hands.
-- Limit touching eyes, nose and mouth.
-- Do not share drinking glasses, water bottles, mouth guards, cosmetics or eating utensils.
-- If concerned that medical advice or care is needed, contact HealthLink 811. Like any illness, should symptoms worsen, visit a doctor or walk-in clinic.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Canada is experiencing the second wave of the H1N1
virus meaning increased flu activity in Nova Scotia.
The province has had 80 new lab-confirmed cases of
H1N1, and one hospitalization, since influenza re-emerged
this fall.
There has been one H1N1-related death in Nova Scotia,
in July.
H1N1 activity has been highest in the Guysborough-
Antigonish Strait Health Authority and Capital Health.
Dr. Robert Strang, chief public health officer for the
province says an increase in H1N1 activity was expected and
that's why he is strongly encouraging Nova Scotians to get
the vaccine as soon as it is available in their area.
Dr. Strang recommends pregnant women, at 20 weeks
gestation or less, who have pre-existing health conditions,
consider receiving adjuvanted vaccine. It is also
recommended that all pregnant women in the second half of
their pregnancy receive adjuvanted vaccine.
Healthy pregnant women in the first half of their
pregnancy can wait to receive the unadjuvanted vaccine,
which will start to be available in Nova Scotia next week.
H1N1 vaccine is free of charge to all Nova Scotians who
want it. H1N1 clinic dates and times from across the
province are available at w-w-w dot gov dot n-s dot c-a
slash H1N1 or through HealthLink 811.
-30-
Media Contact: Rachel Boomer
Health Promotion and Protection
902-424-5323
Cell: 902-222-0266
E-mail: rachel.boomer@gov.ns.ca