H1N1 Summary, Nov. 29 to Dec. 5

The H1N1 virus is still circulating across the province, even though Nova Scotia is experiencing a decrease of H1N1 activity.

For the reporting period of Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, there have been:

• 12 new lab-confirmed H1N1 cases, compared to 19 for the week of Nov. 22 to Nov. 28.
• Five new hospitalizations of people with lab-confirmed H1N1, compared to 50 last period.

"A decrease in H1N1 activity does not mean that Nova Scotians should become complacent," said Dr. Robert Strang, chief public health officer. "Nova Scotians should take preventative measures and get vaccinated. Both are steps toward reducing the severity of H1N1. To prevent a possible third wave, I strongly encourage everyone who hasn't been vaccinated to get vaccinated."

As of Dec. 4, the province has distributed enough vaccine to immunize 52.3 per cent of the population, or almost 500,000 people.

"Mass immunization clinics will continue this week and next. Based on H1N1 activity and traffic at the clinics, we will assess our approach," said Dr. Strang. "Over the coming weeks, vaccine will still be available to those who want to get immunized at physician offices and workplace clinics."

Everyone is at some risk of getting H1N1. Vaccination is safe, effective and the best line of defense.

Other highlights include:

• The percentage of emergency room visits with influenza-like has decreased to eight per cent, down two per cent from Nov. 22 to Nov. 28.
• The percentage of patients with influenza-like illness has decreased to three per cent from eight 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 6,700 calls for the week of Nov. 29 to Dec. 5. The website, www.nshealthlink811.ca , had more than 1,100 visits.