Nova Scotia Has 80 New Cases of H1N1
Health Promotion and Protection
Published Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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.
Quotes
“An increase in H1N1 activity was fully expected in our province with the start of the fall flu season. 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.
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Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia chief public health officer
“H1N1 is a community virus. We can expect to see it everywhere in our communities — schools, grocery stores, day cares, libraries and more.
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Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia chief public health officer
Quick Facts
- H1N1 activity has been highest in the Guysborough-Antigonish Strait Health Authority and Capital Health.
- 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 and cough and sneeze into elbow or sleeve.
- 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.
Learn More
Media Contact
- Rachel Boomer
- Health Promotion and Protection
- 902-424-5323
- Cell: 902-222-0266
- E-mail: rachel.boomer@gov.ns.ca
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- Dr. Robert Strang, chief public health officer, urges Nova Scotians to be patient while priority groups are immunized.
- Dr. Strang says the second wave of H1N1 was expected and now it's here.
- Dr. Strang sees a huge turnout for the vaccine at a clinic in Elmsdale as positive.