Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.parrysound.com/press/1256758991/
Death tied to flu symptoms
North Star, News, Wednesday, October 28, 2009
A Parry Sound area resident with severe lung disease died with flu-like symptoms, said Dr. Jim Chirico, acting medical officer of health for the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.
Lab results haven?t confirmed whether the victim had H1N1 flu, Chirico said in a news conference Tuesday afternoon, but health officials have said ?99.9 per cent of cases tested? with flu-like symptoms in the area were H1N1.
The person, described as in his or her mid-50s, died at the West Parry Sound Health Centre.
?I can?t confirm or deny it was a health care provider. I can confirm the person has severe underlining health complications,? Dr. Chirico said.
H1N1 flu vaccinations were offered at the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit?s Parry Sound Mall location yesterday afternoon for residents deemed at high risk. At-risk people the health unit hoped to immunize locally included children between six months and five years of age, those who live with or care for someone at-risk who can?t get the vaccination, pregnant women and those who gave birth within the last six weeks, First Nation residents, and those under 65 who have chronic medical conditions.
H1N1 clinics for the rest of the population are scheduled to start October 31 if the vaccine is available. Seasonal flu vaccinations are expected to start in December, with dates and times to be announced.
?The H1N1 virus is circulating in our community and influenza activity is increasing in emergency departments, doctor?s offices and schools.? said Dr. Chirico. ?Getting the H1N1 shot is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your friends from getting ill...I encourage everyone who is eligible to get the H1N1 vaccine.?
The health unit received 5,000 doses of the vaccine last week after it was approved by Health Canada. The drug was originally expected to become available in November. Although the health unit expected 5,000 more doses last weekend, those doses hadn?t arrived as of Tuesday afternoon. The doses could arrive as early today.
Death tied to flu symptoms
North Star, News, Wednesday, October 28, 2009
A Parry Sound area resident with severe lung disease died with flu-like symptoms, said Dr. Jim Chirico, acting medical officer of health for the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.
Lab results haven?t confirmed whether the victim had H1N1 flu, Chirico said in a news conference Tuesday afternoon, but health officials have said ?99.9 per cent of cases tested? with flu-like symptoms in the area were H1N1.
The person, described as in his or her mid-50s, died at the West Parry Sound Health Centre.
?I can?t confirm or deny it was a health care provider. I can confirm the person has severe underlining health complications,? Dr. Chirico said.
H1N1 flu vaccinations were offered at the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit?s Parry Sound Mall location yesterday afternoon for residents deemed at high risk. At-risk people the health unit hoped to immunize locally included children between six months and five years of age, those who live with or care for someone at-risk who can?t get the vaccination, pregnant women and those who gave birth within the last six weeks, First Nation residents, and those under 65 who have chronic medical conditions.
H1N1 clinics for the rest of the population are scheduled to start October 31 if the vaccine is available. Seasonal flu vaccinations are expected to start in December, with dates and times to be announced.
?The H1N1 virus is circulating in our community and influenza activity is increasing in emergency departments, doctor?s offices and schools.? said Dr. Chirico. ?Getting the H1N1 shot is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your friends from getting ill...I encourage everyone who is eligible to get the H1N1 vaccine.?
The health unit received 5,000 doses of the vaccine last week after it was approved by Health Canada. The drug was originally expected to become available in November. Although the health unit expected 5,000 more doses last weekend, those doses hadn?t arrived as of Tuesday afternoon. The doses could arrive as early today.