Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Canadians warned of persistent threat from swine flu
By Sharon Kirkey, Canwest News Service
December 2, 2009 5:54 PM
Canada's top doctor pleaded with Canadians on Wednesday to get vaccinated against H1N1, warning millions more Canadians could still be infected with human swine flu.
Despite evidence an epidemic peak has been reached by all provinces and territories, Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's chief public health officer, said the number of people with flu-like illnesses seeking medical treatment is three times higher than what is normally seen at this time of year.
Butler-Jones said the latest data confirms human swine flu is hitting younger people especially hard.
The highest proportion of H1N1 infections is occurring in people under 15; 40 per cent of deaths are occurring in people age 40 to 65.
As well, 40 per cent of those admitted to intensive care, and one-third of those who have died of pandemic H1N1 have not had any pre-existing medical conditions.
Sixteen per cent of those hospitalized with H1N1 have been admitted to an ICU, and up to 80 per cent of H1N1 ICU patients have required breathing assistance or ventilation.
"This is over three times the frequency for respiratory support for flu and pneumonia seen over the 2007-08 flu season," Butler-Jones said during his weekly flu briefing Wednesday.
Those most seriously affected by H1N1 are 23 to 45 years younger than what is normally seen with flu, he said.
He said Canada needs to maintain a "very aggressive approach" against the pandemic by providing early treatment "and, most importantly by immunizing in a broader way than we ever have before for seasonal flu."
More than a third of Canadians are now immune to the virus, either because they have been vaccinated or infected.
"But that still leaves millions susceptible to catching it. I cannot stress enough how important it is to get the vaccination," he said.
"Even if you are not personally worried about getting H1N1, for the sake of others around you, as well as your loved ones, please get your H1N1 flu shot."
As of Dec. 1, 329 H1N1-related deaths had been reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/doctor+plea+your+H1N1+shot/2294543/story.html
By Sharon Kirkey, Canwest News Service
December 2, 2009 5:54 PM
Canada's top doctor pleaded with Canadians on Wednesday to get vaccinated against H1N1, warning millions more Canadians could still be infected with human swine flu.
Despite evidence an epidemic peak has been reached by all provinces and territories, Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's chief public health officer, said the number of people with flu-like illnesses seeking medical treatment is three times higher than what is normally seen at this time of year.
Butler-Jones said the latest data confirms human swine flu is hitting younger people especially hard.
The highest proportion of H1N1 infections is occurring in people under 15; 40 per cent of deaths are occurring in people age 40 to 65.
As well, 40 per cent of those admitted to intensive care, and one-third of those who have died of pandemic H1N1 have not had any pre-existing medical conditions.
Sixteen per cent of those hospitalized with H1N1 have been admitted to an ICU, and up to 80 per cent of H1N1 ICU patients have required breathing assistance or ventilation.
"This is over three times the frequency for respiratory support for flu and pneumonia seen over the 2007-08 flu season," Butler-Jones said during his weekly flu briefing Wednesday.
Those most seriously affected by H1N1 are 23 to 45 years younger than what is normally seen with flu, he said.
He said Canada needs to maintain a "very aggressive approach" against the pandemic by providing early treatment "and, most importantly by immunizing in a broader way than we ever have before for seasonal flu."
More than a third of Canadians are now immune to the virus, either because they have been vaccinated or infected.
"But that still leaves millions susceptible to catching it. I cannot stress enough how important it is to get the vaccination," he said.
"Even if you are not personally worried about getting H1N1, for the sake of others around you, as well as your loved ones, please get your H1N1 flu shot."
As of Dec. 1, 329 H1N1-related deaths had been reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/doctor+plea+your+H1N1+shot/2294543/story.html