The flu season in Newfoundland and Labrador is on the peak every year between December and April.
Residents are being encouraged to take the seasonal flu shot in order to limit the extend of influenza. The shot protects against the three strains of flu circulating this year, counting H1N1.
Till Monday, there have been 407 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza. The predominant strain being H1N1.
Susan Sullivan, Health and Community Services Minister said, “While we have had a moderate influenza season to date, following the history, we know that the flu will continue to be active in our province for at least another two months. We are encouraging residents to practice appropriate precautionary hygiene by cleaning their hands, covering their coughs and sneezes and staying home when they are sick.”
Through the medium of four regional health authorities and also physician’s offices influenza vaccine is obtainable in all regions of the province.
Out of 71 hospitalizations and 23 admissions to intensive care unit, 62 people have been discharged from hospital.
As per the confirmation by the minister, five flu related deaths of individuals have been reported this influenza season, all of whom had underlying health conditions.
Last year, during the same period there were 15 deaths out of the 645 influenza cases detected.
For further help related to influenza people can call the Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine toll-free 1-888-709-2929. The may visit the regional health authority websites for more information.