H1N1 (Human Swine Influenza) Update, July 9

Health/Health Promotion and Protection

Published July 9, 2009

Nova Scotia's chief public health officer Dr. Robert Strang is reminding Nova Scotians that the H1N1 (human swine influenza) virus is still spreading in Nova Scotia and people need to take necessary precautions.

Dr. Strang says it is a pandemic and he fully expects it to continue throughout the summer and the fall. He says, there continues to be an increase in the number of new cases of HINI in Nova Scotia, including more severe cases, and people with flu-like symptoms, should stay home from work and social activities and isolate themselves as much as possible for seven days. If symptoms worsen, they should see their doctor.

Quotes

“We are in a pandemic and fully expect it to continue throughout the summer and the fall. As expected, there continues to be an increase in the number of new cases of H1N1 in Nova Scotia. We are also seeing more severe cases.” Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief public health officer

“As we have said previously, as we see more cases, we fully expect to see more severe cases and even deaths. This is a serious disease. People must take the necessary precautions.” Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief public health officer

“If you don't feel sick, enjoy the summer and take part in festivals, events and concerts. If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home.” Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief public health officer

Quick Facts

  • Although there have been more severe cases, the majority of cases of HINI continue to behave like the typical flu and people can be treated at home.
  • To stay well, people should:
    • Wash hands thoroughly and often
    • Cough into arms or sleeves
    • Frequently clean commonly used surfaces like kitchen countertops and doorknobs
    • If attending festivals, concerts or other events and can't wash their hands often, people should bring hand sanitizer with them.
  • People with flu-like symptoms, whether or not they have been in contact with someone who has H1N1 (human swine influenza) they should:
    • Stay home from work or social activities and isolate themselves as much as possible for seven days;
    • See their doctor if symptoms worsen.
  • Flu-like symptoms are fever and cough with one or more of unusual tiredness, head/muscle/joint aches or sore throat.
  • Thirty two new cases of HINI have been confirmed in the last week. The total number of cases is 210. There have been six hospitalizations.

Learn More

Media Contact

Toby Koffman
Health Promotion and Protection
Office: 902-424-7558
Cell: 902-237-7456
E-mail: toby.koffman@gov.ns.ca

Images

Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief public health officer, talks about the need for Nova Scotians to take precautions to prevent the spread of H1N1 (Human Swine Influenza). (Download high-res version)
Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief public health officer, demonstrates coughing into a sleeve, one way to help curb the spread of H1N1 (Human Swine Influenza), as acting Deputy Minister of Health Kevin McNamara looks on. (Download high-res version)

Videos

H1N1 July 9th update

Audio

Dr. Robert Strang discusses how people can limit the spread of H1N1 (human swine influenza) virus.
Dr. Robert Strang encourages people to enjoy summer activities but stresses that people with flu-like symptoms should isolate themselves from others.
H1N1 (human swine influenza) virus is proving to be most dangerous to young adults, with those over 50 proving to be mostly immune.