Health and Community Services
January 10, 2014

Supporting the Health and Well-Being of Residents

Provincial Government Provides Update on Seasonal Influenza

The Provincial Government is today providing an update on this year’s seasonal influenza in Newfoundland and Labrador. To date, flu activity this year is lower at this time than it was at the same time last year and consistent with the five-year average. Of the laboratory-confirmed cases, the predominant strain is H1N1, which is consistent with what is being seen in the rest of Canada. The H1N1 strain is now one of a number of influenza viruses that circulates in communities as part of seasonal flu activity. The current flu vaccine protects against three strains of flu, including H1N1.

“The provincial public vaccination program has had positive uptake this year with close to 130,000 vaccines being administered throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. As a result, the Provincial Government is in the process of securing additional vaccine and assessing options for appropriate distribution as it becomes available to the province. Like other provinces, we are experiencing increased interest in vaccination and we are securing additional vaccines, which we will offer through public health programs in regional health authorities.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services

To date, there have been 86 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza, the majority of which have been H1N1. There have been 14 hospitalizations and six admissions to intensive care. In comparison, at the same time last year there were 259 cases of influenza, 88 hospitalizations, 11 admissions to intensive care, and five deaths.

“So far this influenza season we are seeing lower levels of illness than last year and we have not seen any actual outbreaks in settings such as schools and long-term care facilities. In addition to receiving influenza immunization, there are many ways to help protect yourself and your family from influenza. This can be achieved by practising the simple rule of clean, cover, and contain. Individuals should remember to thoroughly wash their hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and to stay home when sick.
- Dr. Faith Stratton, Chief Medical Officer of Health

The Department of Health and Community Services is also working with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association to update physicians on the current status of influenza in the province. Additionally, if an individual is ill, they are encouraged to contact the Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine toll-free at 1-888-709-2929 and/or their primary health provider for more information.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is today providing an update on this year’s seasonal influenza in the province. To date, activity is lower than last year but consistent with the five-year average.
• The provincial public vaccination program has had high uptake this year with close to 130,000 vaccines being administered throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. As a result of greater interest in vaccination, the Provincial Government is in the process of securing additional vaccine.
• In this province, there is a publicly-funded vaccine program that targets individuals at most risk – this includes young children, people with chronic disease, seniors, and health care professionals.
• H1N1 has become a part of the normal seasonal flu viruses circulating over the last four years. The current flu vaccine protects against three strains of flu, including H1N1.

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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca    

2013 01 10             1:10 p.m.