The Department of Health and Community Services today confirmed the first hospitalized case of the H1N1 influenza virus in Newfoundland and Labrador. The case is included in the current total of 48 confirmed cases in the province.

The first hospitalized case was recorded in the Eastern Region and is a young person under 15 years of age. This individual was admitted last week and has since been treated and released.

Public health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador anticipate additional cases of H1N1 influenza to be reported through the summer and into the fall flu season. To date, cases have been mild and similar to seasonal influenza.

Prevention remains the most effective measure to help protect against influenza.  That means individuals should take precautions around general hygiene and public health.  Clean, Cover and Contain is the recommended approach.

Clean: wash hands regularly with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
Cover: use a tissue or arm to cover coughs and sneezes as opposed to the hands which frequently touch other surfaces and people.
Contain: stay at home so that the illness is not spread to others.

Individuals with influenza-like symptoms should stay home to minimize contact with others and to treat the symptoms of the illness. 　If symptoms worsen or if there are other health concerns, call a health care professional. A doctor will determine what, if any, testing or treatment may be required.

Individuals who may be at high risk of complications from influenza-like illness should seek medical attention promptly. Those individuals include pregnant women, and people with underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems.

As in other parts of Canada, reporting of cases on the Department of Health and Community Services� website will change to once weekly updates from the current three times per week. The weekly updates will occur every Monday on or before 3 p.m. NL time. Public advisories will be issued when necessary.

For updated information on the H1N1 virus visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca. Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador can also contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Healthline at 1-888-709-2929. Information can also be found on the department�s website at www.gov.nl.ca/health

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Media contact:

Ronalda Walsh
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 685-1741
ronaldawalsh@gov.nl.ca