Canada
3 Deaths from the Flu in Saskatchewan
Deputy chief medical health officer Denise Werker updated reporters Friday on Saskatchewan’s flu situation. Three people have died after contracting the flu. (Neil Cochrane/CBC)
The Health Department has confirmed that a total of 161 people have been verified to have the H1N1 flu in the province of Saskatchewan. The best defense against contracting the flu is to get vaccinated which is what they are urging the public to do.
Sadly, the same department confirmed that three people living in Saskatchewan have died from the H1N1 virus. Two of the deceased where children under the age of 5. All three deaths were from people whose health or immune systems were already impaired by other health factors.
“Getting vaccinated is an effective way to avoid illness from influenza,” Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Denise Werker said. “We encourage Saskatchewan residents to get a flu shot if they haven’t already done so, and practice good hand hygiene to help them avoid getting sick.”
The H1N1 virus has also struck the province of Alberta with 965 confirmed flu cases which thus far have resulted in 5 deaths. However, Albert Health Services (AHS) stresses that the confirmed cases involve those seeking medical attention. The actual number of people who have contracted the virus is likely higher. The number of people in Alberta with the H1N1 virus is 920 making virtually all of the confirmed cases related to the H1N1. It again underscores the importance of getting vaccinated against this potent strain of influenza. AHS also stressed that those who have received vaccinations a year ago will likely need another one since the protection diminishes with time.
The influenza vaccine is strongly recommended for people at high risk of influenza-related complications or hospitalization. High risk groups include:
- people with chronic health conditions;
- people 65 and older;
- residents of long-term care facilities;
- people with severe obesity;
- children under five; and
- pregnant women.
Vaccine is also recommended for health care workers and volunteers, household and close contacts of the above high risk groups, those in contact with babies under six months, individuals who provide regular child care to children under five years of age, people who work with poultry or hogs and health science students (human and animal health).
On The Web:
3 die in Saskatchewan after contracting flu
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/3-die-in-saskatchewan-after-contracting-flu-1.2483019
Alberta flu cases spike, 5 deaths confirmed
http://news.ca.msn.com/top-stories/alberta-flu-cases-spike-5-deaths-confirmed-1
