The number of H1N1 cases in Nova Scotia is on a steady decline, but that doesn’t mean there is nothing to fear, said the province’s chief public health officer, Dr. Robert Strang.
As of Dec. 4, the province has distributed enough vaccine to immunize more than 50 per cent of the population – almost 500,000 people.
“That’s good, but we can do better, and we need to do better,” Dr. Strang told media at a press conference in Halifax yesterday. “The more people who are immunized, the less likely we are to see impact from H1N1 either now or in the coming months.”
Dr. Strang discussed a possible third wave of H1N1, and said the best preventative measure is to get vaccinated.
“If we have enough people immunized we could actually minimize or totally prevent that third wave,” he said, indicating the virus could strike again in winter or spring.
Health Nova Scotia reported five hospitalized H1N1 cases from Nov. 29 to Dec. 5 – down from 50 the prior week.
Percentage of emergency room visits with influenza-like symptoms has decreased to eight per cent, down two per cent from the previous week, and the number of lab-confirmed cases dropped from 19 to 12.
Dr. Strang stressed there is still a need to get vaccinated, especially heading into the holiday season.
“As we enter the holiday season, where more and more people are celebrating, there’s more social occasions … there’s more potential for people to spread viruses,” he said.
Public heath immunization clinics will continue this week and next. Dr. Strang said the need for mass clinics will be reassessed for the new year, and vaccine will still be available through family doctors.
Dr. Strang said there is little to no seasonal flu activity in the province.
