Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
<TABLE class=contentpaneopen><TBODY><TR><TD class=contentheading width="100%">First H1N1-related death confirmed in Townships </TD><TD class=buttonheading align=right width="100%">
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=contentpaneopen><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=2><TABLE align=right><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>The first death in the Estrie region related to the H1N1 flu virus has been confirmed.
Dr. Louise Souli?re, Director of Public Health for the Estrie region, made the announcement during a press conference Wednesday morning; noting that the deceased was an elderly woman who was staying in a long-term care facility.
This revelation comes in the wake of an announcement earlier this week in which authorities from the Quebec government reassured the public that their vaccination schedule was not discriminating against the elderly.
?In the past, we have always given priority to people who are 65 and older because they have a greater vulnerability to seasonal viruses,? explained Dr. Horacio Arruda, Director of protection of public health at the Ministry of Health and Social Services of Quebec. ?But with H1N1, the situation is not the same. The epidemiological data shows that this group is less at risk of being infected.?
According to Dr. Arruda, it is younger people who are actually more susceptible to this particular flu strain.
Because of exposure to similar viruses throughout their lives, Dr. Arruda believes that people born before 1957 have developed a level of immunity to the virus that is currently circulating; adding that ?(i)t is important to understand that no person is more important than another.?
Dr. Souli?re?s statement was one of many announcements and updates made by area health officials yesterday morning.
On a positive note, Mario Morand, director at the CSSS des Sources, announced his satisfaction that to date nearly 54,000 people in the Estrie region have been vaccinated.
Regarding the H1N1 clinics, Carol Filion, Director of the CSSS-IUGS, said that while the clinic at the Youville shelter is busy (averaging just over 200 patients a day since its opening), they do not anticipate opening a second Sherbrooke location for the time being. She asked that people ?be judicious in their utilization of health services that are being provided.?
Recall that measures are being taken so that people with reduced mobility will be provided access to the vaccination as well.
Quebec authorities have taken some heat over the last few weeks regarding the entire vaccination process.
Michel C. Dor?, Civil Security coordinator for the Quebec government, is encouraging people to utilize the information services they are providing. ?The government is offering its citizens sources of information that is best suited for their particular situation,? he said earlier this week. ?Those who so desire can contact Quebec Services personnel directly.?
For any information regarding the H1N1 vaccination process, contact Quebec Services at 1-877-644-4545. Lines are open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. People are also encouraged to visit their website at
www.pandemiequebec.gouv.qc.ca.
By Doug McCooeye
2009-11-12
http://www.sherbrookerecord.com/content/view/319633/1/
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=contentpaneopen><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=2><TABLE align=right><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>The first death in the Estrie region related to the H1N1 flu virus has been confirmed.Dr. Louise Souli?re, Director of Public Health for the Estrie region, made the announcement during a press conference Wednesday morning; noting that the deceased was an elderly woman who was staying in a long-term care facility.
This revelation comes in the wake of an announcement earlier this week in which authorities from the Quebec government reassured the public that their vaccination schedule was not discriminating against the elderly.
?In the past, we have always given priority to people who are 65 and older because they have a greater vulnerability to seasonal viruses,? explained Dr. Horacio Arruda, Director of protection of public health at the Ministry of Health and Social Services of Quebec. ?But with H1N1, the situation is not the same. The epidemiological data shows that this group is less at risk of being infected.?
According to Dr. Arruda, it is younger people who are actually more susceptible to this particular flu strain.
Because of exposure to similar viruses throughout their lives, Dr. Arruda believes that people born before 1957 have developed a level of immunity to the virus that is currently circulating; adding that ?(i)t is important to understand that no person is more important than another.?
Dr. Souli?re?s statement was one of many announcements and updates made by area health officials yesterday morning.
On a positive note, Mario Morand, director at the CSSS des Sources, announced his satisfaction that to date nearly 54,000 people in the Estrie region have been vaccinated.
Regarding the H1N1 clinics, Carol Filion, Director of the CSSS-IUGS, said that while the clinic at the Youville shelter is busy (averaging just over 200 patients a day since its opening), they do not anticipate opening a second Sherbrooke location for the time being. She asked that people ?be judicious in their utilization of health services that are being provided.?
Recall that measures are being taken so that people with reduced mobility will be provided access to the vaccination as well.
Quebec authorities have taken some heat over the last few weeks regarding the entire vaccination process.
Michel C. Dor?, Civil Security coordinator for the Quebec government, is encouraging people to utilize the information services they are providing. ?The government is offering its citizens sources of information that is best suited for their particular situation,? he said earlier this week. ?Those who so desire can contact Quebec Services personnel directly.?
For any information regarding the H1N1 vaccination process, contact Quebec Services at 1-877-644-4545. Lines are open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. People are also encouraged to visit their website at
www.pandemiequebec.gouv.qc.ca.
By Doug McCooeye
2009-11-12
http://www.sherbrookerecord.com/content/view/319633/1/
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>