H1N1 Summary, Dec. 6 to Dec. 12

Nova Scotia continues to experience H1N1 activity across the province.

For the reporting period of Dec. 6 to Dec. 12, there have been:

• No new lab-confirmed H1N1 cases, compared with 12 for the week of Nov. 29 to Dec. 5.
• No new hospitalizations of people with lab-confirmed H1N1, compared with five last period.

"As Nova Scotians gather with their friends and family this holiday season, I urge them to take preventative measures to protect themselves and those closest to them from H1N1," said Dr. Robert Strang, chief public health officer. "Getting vaccinated is safe, effective and the best defence against H1N1."

As of Dec. 11, the province has distributed enough vaccine to immunize 60 per cent of the population, or more than 560,000 people.

"Although mass immunization clinics are closing by the end of this week, the H1N1 vaccine will still be available to those who want to get immunized through most physician offices and workplace clinics," said Dr. Strang. "We will continue to monitor demand for vaccine and the need for further public health clinics."

Other highlights include:

• The percentage of emergency room visits with influenza-like illness has decreased to six per cent, down two per cent from Nov. 29 to Dec. 5.
• The percentage of patients with influenza-like illness has decreased to two per cent from three per cent, as reported by physicians around the province.

The province publishes a report on respiratory illnesses, including H1N1, every Wednesday. It can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/h1n1/flu-activity.asp .

Healthlink 811, Nova Scotia's 24-hour telecare service, received more than 3,000 calls for the week of Dec. 6 to Dec. 12. The website, www.nshealthlink811.ca , had more than 400 visits.