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Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.vancouversun.com/health/H1N1+still+claiming+lives/4530766/story.html
H1N1 still claiming lives
Young, healthy adults affected
By Jodie Sinnema, edmontonjournal.com March 30, 2011 3:02 PM
EDMONTON - The H1N1 flu virus is still circulating in Alberta, with three of seven deaths in the province directly related to that strain this flu season.
Younger, healthier people continue to fall sick with H1N1 compared to other strains. But although officials are still encouraging people to get vaccinated before the end of April, which marks the wind-down of flu season, flu outbreaks have been relatively mild this year compared to 2009-2010, when 71 people in Alberta with confirmed swine flu died and 1,278 people were hospitalized.
In comparison, between Aug. 29, 2010 and March 26, 2011, 214 people had lab-confirmed H1N1, including 70 in the Edmonton zone, 71 in northern Alberta and 16 in central Alberta. Another 46 tested positive in the Calgary region and the final 11 in the province?s south.
Of the seven laboratory-confirmed flu-related deaths this season, H1N1 played a major role in the deaths of three people. One person tested positive for the H3N2 strain ? against which this year?s vaccine also protects ? and the final three people had underlying health conditions, potentially worsened by flu, that led to their deaths.
?The actual number of deaths during influenza season is probably significantly higher than that,? said Dr. Gerry Predy, senior medical officer of health for Alberta Health Services. Many people may die from pneumonia or other chronic conditions, but never be tested for the flu. During an average flu season, an estimated 300 Albertans die directly or indirectly from the flu...
H1N1 still claiming lives
Young, healthy adults affected
By Jodie Sinnema, edmontonjournal.com March 30, 2011 3:02 PM
EDMONTON - The H1N1 flu virus is still circulating in Alberta, with three of seven deaths in the province directly related to that strain this flu season.
Younger, healthier people continue to fall sick with H1N1 compared to other strains. But although officials are still encouraging people to get vaccinated before the end of April, which marks the wind-down of flu season, flu outbreaks have been relatively mild this year compared to 2009-2010, when 71 people in Alberta with confirmed swine flu died and 1,278 people were hospitalized.
In comparison, between Aug. 29, 2010 and March 26, 2011, 214 people had lab-confirmed H1N1, including 70 in the Edmonton zone, 71 in northern Alberta and 16 in central Alberta. Another 46 tested positive in the Calgary region and the final 11 in the province?s south.
Of the seven laboratory-confirmed flu-related deaths this season, H1N1 played a major role in the deaths of three people. One person tested positive for the H3N2 strain ? against which this year?s vaccine also protects ? and the final three people had underlying health conditions, potentially worsened by flu, that led to their deaths.
?The actual number of deaths during influenza season is probably significantly higher than that,? said Dr. Gerry Predy, senior medical officer of health for Alberta Health Services. Many people may die from pneumonia or other chronic conditions, but never be tested for the flu. During an average flu season, an estimated 300 Albertans die directly or indirectly from the flu...