Manitoba Health advises the H1N1 virus has continued to circulate across the province and serious illness has continued to occur. Many Manitobans have yet to be vaccinated and up to half of Manitobans may continue to be susceptible to an H1N1 infection. All Manitobans who need, want and are expected to benefit from the H1N1 flu shot should get it as soon as is practical to get the maximum benefit from the vaccine.
Manitoba Health is reporting the death of an adult aged 65 or older who was confirmed to have H1N1 influenza with underlying conditions. This is the third death associated with lab-confirmed H1N1 in the second wave of the virus. There were seven deaths in the first wave associated with lab‑confirmed H1N1.
During the week of Dec. 1 to 7, reports provided to Manitoba Health note that three Manitobans with a positive lab test for H1N1 have been admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). More than 50 Manitobans with lab-confirmed H1N1 have been admitted to ICU since last spring. Approximately one-third of the Manitobans admitted to ICU had no underlying conditions.
H1N1 Vaccine Supply
Manitoba Health advises the province received 107,000 doses of vaccine with adjuvant this week. The vaccine has been delivered to regional health authorities and used to fill orders from doctors’ offices. As of this morning, a total of 114 doctors’ offices have ordered 17,500 doses of the vaccine. Regional health authorities are also planning targeted clinics to reach more Manitobans in the coming weeks, with a focus on people who continue to be at greater risk of severe illness from H1N1 and other populations with lower immunization rates.
Manitoba has received and distributed a total of 862,100 doses of vaccine. As of Wednesday, nearly 420,000 shots had been given to about 35 per cent of Manitobans. The number of Manitobans who are vaccinated increases hourly as clinics continue their work.
Manitoba has been advised that it will receive 112,000 doses of vaccine with adjuvant and 33,100 doses of vaccine without adjuvant next week.
H1N1 Flu Shots
Manitobans should contact their physician or regional health authority to get up-to-date information on where the flu shot is available.
As of Dec. 5 in Manitoba, there have been 15 serious adverse events following immunization which have been reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada. There have been no reports of ongoing effects related to these adverse events. A total of 387 adverse events have been reported, varying from mild (reaction at the injection site, headache or coughing) to more severe reactions (anaphylaxis). It is important to note these adverse events have followed immunization but may not necessarily have been caused by immunization. Serious adverse events are investigated to determine the cause.
In addition to getting the H1N1 flu shot, eligible Manitobans are encouraged to get their seasonal flu and pneumococcal shots. This fall, nearly 177,000 Manitobans have received their seasonal flu shot and nearly 7,500 have received the pneumococcal shot.
H1N1 Flu
During the week of Dec. 1 to 7, Cadham Provincial Laboratory reported 87 positive H1N1 tests to Manitoba Health. Since the second wave of H1N1 flu began on Oct. 6, the lab has reported a total of 1,697 positive H1N1 tests. Lab-confirmed cases do not reflect the actual number of people with the illness, nor do the numbers indicate the seriousness of illness any individual may experience.
Manitobans are encouraged to contact their nearest health-care provider or visit the nearest health‑care centre if they have mild flu symptoms and risks for severe illness or are concerned they may need care, especially if symptoms are severe or worsening. Early treatment (within 24 to 48 hours) may be very important.
Manitobans are reminded to watch for signs of severe illness. If you or a family member has any of the following symptoms, go directly to an emergency room, nursing station or health-care provider or call 911:
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing,
• severe or worsening symptoms,
• dehydration,
• drowsiness or confusion, or
• fever in an infant under three months old.
More information on H1N1 flu is available at www.manitoba.ca/flu or Health Links–Info Santé at 788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free).
