H1N1 cases confirmed in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick

HALIFAX – The H1N1 flu is starting to make its way through the Maritimes, with all three provinces confirming cases of the influenza.

According to New Brunswick’s Medical Officer of Health, there have been 14 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases in the province so far.

“Of those, 13 have been typed to be H1N1,” said Cristin Muecke. “As far as I’m aware, they’re scattered throughout New Brunswick.”

Six cases of influenza have also been laboratory-confirmed in Nova Scotia and, according to the province’s deputy chief medical officer of health, two of them are H1N1 cases.

“If we’re seeing it in the laboratory, it means there are more cases in the community,” said Dr. Frank Atherton.

“It’s here. It’s in our communities. It will be province-wide in the fullness of time.”

According to Atherton, the H1N1 virus, which caused a world-wide pandemic in 2009, is now one of the most common flu strains.

“We used to worry about the H1N1 because that was the pandemic strain of flu. But really that’s become the normal seasonal flu that we see every year. So we can’t read too much into the particular strain,” said Atherton. “The important thing is to protect ourselves from the flu.”

The best way to do that, he said, is by getting a flu shot.

This year’s vaccine protects against three strains, including H1N1.

“Every year, there’s a different flu vaccine prepared. This year, so far, it looks as if most of the strains will be covered,” said Atherton.

Those deemed especially at risk are children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions.