Health
H1N1 flu virus update: Thursday, Nov. 19 (09/11/19)
NB 1841
Nov. 19, 2009
FREDERICTON (CNB) - The following update on the H1N1 flu virus has been issued by the Office of the
Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Epidemiological update
- New Brunswick is continuing to see widespread H1N1 flu activity.
- 112 persons have been hospitalized since the pandemic began in April.
- Ten cases have been in intensive care.
- Fifty-six per cent of hospitalizations are in the under-20 age group. The remainder are evenly
distributed among other age groups.
- Two deaths have been connected to the H1N1 virus in New Brunswick. The first was that of a man in
his early 60s. The second was that of a man in his 70s. Testing has confirmed that the individuals had
the H1N1 virus.
- Most cases continue to be mild, and those groups being offered the vaccine are those at a higher risk of
severe complications.
Vaccine supply
- 44, 000 doses arrived this week.
- 49, 000 doses are scheduled to arrive next week.
Clinic information and priority groups
- By the end of this week, clinics will have been available to all pregnant women and all children six
months to five years who will have chosen to be vaccinated.
- Clinics for those children requiring a second dose of the vaccine will begin next week.
- Persons of Aboriginal ancestry are asked to attend clinics beginning this week.
- Over the next few weeks, clinics will focus on other priority groups beginning with individuals with
weakened immune systems due to cancer drugs or HIV/AIDS, then moving to persons with chronic
heart disease and diabetes.
- Each clinic listing will clearly identify the priority groups being vaccinated. Those persons with chronic
conditions are encouraged to check the website for clinic listings in their area.
- Clinics will be held in nursing homes and mental-health institutions for those unable to present
themselves at a clinic.
General information
- More than 160,000 doses have been administered to New Brunswickers.
- Every Friday, a vaccine surveillance report will be posted on the Public Health Agency of Canada
website.
Advice from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
- New Brunswickers should continue to protect themselves and those around them by washing their
hands thoroughly and often, coughing or sneezing into sleeves, staying home if sick, and keeping
common surfaces clean.
- Persons at high risk of complications from influenza-like illness should seek medical attention
promptly.
- Persons with influenza-like symptoms should stay home and minimize contact with family members as
much as possible. If symptoms worsen, they should visit their physician or nurse practitioner, a walk-in
clinic or the nearest hospital emergency department.
- It is recommended that those with influenza-like symptoms limit contact with other persons, including
household members, until they are free of symptoms and are feeling well.
- Those experiencing influenza-like illness should consider ending self-isolation when they are able to
participate fully in all of their normal daily activities.
- It is important for New Brunswickers to understand that if they do not have influenza-like symptoms, it
is safe to go to work and school, to participate in activities, and to socialize.
More information on the H1N1 flu virus may be found online or by calling the 24-hour H1N1 line,
1-800-580-0038.
09/11/19
MEDIA CONTACT: flumedia@gnb.ca; Danielle Phillips, media relations, H1N1 Pandemic, Department
of Health, 506-444-3821.
09/11/19