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Source: http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/...wave_091009/20091009/?hub=BritishColumbiaHome
B.C. experiencing "second wave" of H1N1 activity
Updated: Fri Oct. 09 2009 19:16:44
ctvbc.ca
Days after the H1N1 death of 25-year-old Cranbrook resident Susan Marsh, doctors are calling B.C. the current Canadian epicenter of swine flu activity.
On Tuesday, Marsh died in a Calgary hospital, making her the seventh British Columbian H1N1 victim this year. Officials say her death was linked to an undisclosed underlying condition.
But the virus is spreading. Canadians have been warned to expect a bad winter flu season -- but some B.C. doctors say it's already here.
"British Columbia is seeing what can probably be described as the second wave of activity," doctor David Patrick told CTV News.
Eighteen schools around the province are reporting a 10 per cent absentee rate.
Twelve people have been hospitalized in the past week -- and there are more doctor visits for flu-like symptoms in B.C. than anywhere else in the country.
"What you can see with influenza pandemics generally is they tend to be patchy," Patrick said.
"It seems that we're the province that's taking off quickest in Canada right now. There's no special reason in that."
The H1N1 vaccine isn't expected until November, so anyone exhibiting symptoms is advised to see a doctor immediately.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Renu Bakshi
B.C. experiencing "second wave" of H1N1 activity
Updated: Fri Oct. 09 2009 19:16:44
ctvbc.ca
Days after the H1N1 death of 25-year-old Cranbrook resident Susan Marsh, doctors are calling B.C. the current Canadian epicenter of swine flu activity.
On Tuesday, Marsh died in a Calgary hospital, making her the seventh British Columbian H1N1 victim this year. Officials say her death was linked to an undisclosed underlying condition.
But the virus is spreading. Canadians have been warned to expect a bad winter flu season -- but some B.C. doctors say it's already here.
"British Columbia is seeing what can probably be described as the second wave of activity," doctor David Patrick told CTV News.
Eighteen schools around the province are reporting a 10 per cent absentee rate.
Twelve people have been hospitalized in the past week -- and there are more doctor visits for flu-like symptoms in B.C. than anywhere else in the country.
"What you can see with influenza pandemics generally is they tend to be patchy," Patrick said.
"It seems that we're the province that's taking off quickest in Canada right now. There's no special reason in that."
The H1N1 vaccine isn't expected until November, so anyone exhibiting symptoms is advised to see a doctor immediately.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Renu Bakshi