Health

Update: H1N1 flu virus (09/08/06)

NB 63

Aug. 6, 2009

FREDERICTON (CNB) - The following update on the H1N1 flu virus is issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health for New Brunswick on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009.

• Dr. Eilish Cleary, chief medical officer of health, expects that the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus is now likely in every community in New Brunswick.
• To date there have been three hospitalized cases in the province, and no deaths. Case statistics are available at www.gnb.ca/flu.
• Public health officials are continuing to see a wide spectrum of disease, from people who may be feeling well but are carrying the virus, to people who are sick enough to be hospitalized.
• The H1N1 vaccine is in production and will be available to New Brunswickers as soon it is ready.
• The province also has a stockpile of antivirals, should New Brunswickers need them.

(Multimedia)

New Brunswickers should continue to protect themselves and those around them by washing hands thoroughly and often, coughing or sneezing into sleeves, staying home if sick, and keeping common surfaces clean.

People who are at high risk of complications from influenza-like illness should seek medical attention promptly. Those at risk include pregnant women, people with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, or those with compromised immune systems.

If you have influenza-like symptoms, you should stay home and minimize contact with family members as much as possible. If symptoms worsen, visit your physician or nurse-practitioner, a walk-in clinic, or the nearest hospital emergency department.

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, participate in activities and to socialize.

More information on the H1N1 virus may be found online, or by calling the 24-hour H1N1 line at 1-800-580-0038.

09/08/06

MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]; Alissa Lee, communications, H1N1 Pandemic, Department of Health, 506-444-3819.

09/08/06