Health

H1N1flu virus update (09/08/14)

NB 1126

(Multimedia)

Aug. 14, 2009

FREDERICTON (CNB) - The following update on the H1N1 flu virus was issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health for New Brunswick on Thursday, Aug. 13:

• To date there have been three hospitalized cases in the province but no deaths. Case statistics are available at www.gnb.ca/flu.
• The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health continues to be informed of positive lab tests as well as outbreaks and severe cases each day. The Department of Health will continue to provide the public with information on outbreaks and severe cases.
• The H1N1 vaccine is in production and will be available for New Brunswickers as soon it is ready.
• While activity has declined in the past couple of weeks, public health officials still expect to see more cases over the remainder of the summer and the course of the fall when the regular influenza season begins.
• School will begin, as always scheduled, the Tuesday after Labour Day. This year, the start of school falls on Sept. 8. The departments of Health and Education do not anticipate widespread school closures as a result of the pandemic.
• An information package on H1N1 was sent to school principals and district superintendents earlier this week to help them with their planning.
• Updates will be provided to school principals and district superintendents as they become available over the course of the pandemic.
• Resources for teachers and parents will be posted at www.gnb.ca/flu.
• 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.
• 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 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 H1N flu virus may be found online or by calling the 24-hour H1N1 line, 1-800-580-0038.

09/08/14

MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]; Danielle Phillips, media relations, H1N1 Pandemic, Department of Health, 506-444-3821.

09/08/14