Manitoba Health is reporting the death of an adult between the ages 18 to 65 who was confirmed to have H1N1 influenza and had underlying conditions. This is the fourth death associated with lab-confirmed H1N1 flu in the second wave of the virus. There were seven deaths in the first wave associated with lab‑confirmed H1N1 flu.
The H1N1 virus continues to circulate within the province and it is expected that illness will continue to occur. Two-thirds of Manitobans have yet to be vaccinated and it is estimated that half of Manitobans are susceptible to an H1N1 infection. All Manitobans are encouraged to consider getting the flu shot as soon as possible. The H1N1 flu shot continues to be available in some community or workplace clinics, in public health offices and through some doctors’ offices. Manitobans are encouraged to contact their regional health authority or physician to find out where the shot is available.
Between Dec. 22 and Jan. 4, two Manitobans with a positive H1N1 lab test or symptoms of a severe respiratory illness were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Eighteen Manitobans with a positive lab test for H1N1 have been admitted to ICU since the second wave began. Of these, all but one were under the age of 65. In the first wave, 43 Manitobans were admitted to ICU with a positive lab test for H1N1. Of these, all but two were under the age of 65. One-third of all Manitobans admitted to ICU had no underlying conditions.
Between Dec. 22 and Jan. 4, Cadham Provincial Laboratory reported 21 positive H1N1 tests to Manitoba Health. Since the second wave of H1N1 flu began on Oct. 6, the lab has reported a total of 1,768 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.
As of Jan. 2 in Manitoba, there have been 16 serious adverse events following immunization which have been reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada. A total of 537 adverse events have been reported, varying from mild (reaction at the injection site or headache) 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.
Manitoba has received and distributed more than one million doses of vaccine. As of Jan. 5, over 442,000 shots had been given, approximately 37 per cent of Manitobans. More than 7,300 Manitobans have been immunized at their doctor’s office. As of this morning, a total of 160 doctors’ offices have ordered more than 30,000 doses of the vaccine.
Manitobans are encouraged to contact their nearest health-care provider or visit the nearest health‑care centre if they have mild flu symptoms and have one or more risks for severe illness or are concerned they may need care, especially if symptoms are persistent or worsening. Early treatment with antiviral medication (ideally 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.
Eligible Manitobans are also encouraged to get their seasonal flu and pneumococcal shots. This fall, over 200,000 Manitobans have received their seasonal flu shot and over 9,000 have received the pneumococcal shot.
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).
