H1N1 Summary, Oct. 25 to Oct. 31

Nova Scotia continues to experience an increase of H1N1 activity across the province. Since the beginning of the 2009-10 influenza season, which runs from September 2009 to September 2010, the province has had:

• 377 lab-confirmed cases
• 26 hospitalizations for H1N1
• No H1N1-related deaths since the province's one H1N1 fatality in July.

"H1N1 is the only flu strain we are currently seeing in the province," said Maureen Baikie, deputy chief medical officer of health. "We will continue to see more sick people, and activity across the province."

The following district health authorities have reported outbreaks of influenza-like illness, with an increase in school absenteeism:

• South Shore Health
• South West Health
• Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority
• Capital Health

Other highlights include:

• The percentage of emergency room visits for influenza-like illness has increased to 15.4 per cent, from 3.7 per cent since the week of Oct. 18 to 24.
• Influenza-like illness has increased to 10.3 per cent, from 5.4 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/publications/NSRespiratoryWatch.pdf . A weekly news release with highlights from the report, will be distributed to media on Wednesdays.