Second wave of H1N1 has hit Nova Scotia

N.S. public health officer confirms 80 new cases. Dal to hold clinic for students Monday.

Dr. Robert Strang: "I am asking for people's patience." Photo Credit: Amber Nicholson

The second wave of the H1N1 has arrived in Nova Scotia and is clogging some emergency rooms.

Dr. Robert Strang, the chief public health officer for the province, said at a news conference this afternoon the number of people visiting emergency has doubled since last week.

"There are 80 new confirmed cases of H1N1 in Nova Scotia since the influenza re-emerged this fall," said Strang. The new cases are "putting pressure" on local services.

He added that the eastern end of mainland Nova Scotia, which includes the St. Francis Xavier campus, is the area where the most cases have been reported.

"The Guysborough-Antigonish area has the highest activity of H1N1 in the province."

Strang said health officials were expecting the new cases.

The best way to protect yourself? "Get immunized," said Strang.

The largest immunization campaign in Nova Scotia's history began today in the Truro/Elmsdale area and the response was overwhelming. People had to wait in long lines and some were even turned away at the end of the day because they weren't able to get in.

Strang said the clinic did not run out of immunizations.

"I am asking for people's patience. There is enough to go around, just not all in one day."

The clinics will open in Halifax next week. Strang said Dalhousie University will hold a clinic for its students and current patients of Dal Health, the university health clinic, beginning Monday, Nov. 2. Dalhousie was not on the list of clinic locations published earlier this week.

Saint Mary's University will hold a clinic on Saturday, Nov. 7. This one will be open to the public, not just students.

Strang said Capital Health is working closely with local universities, including Saint Mary's and Dalhousie, to figure out how campuses can be used effectively in the fight against H1N1.

People under 65 with chronic medical conditions, health-care workers, children under five years old, pregnant women and those who live with a child under six years old are considered among the high priority group that should be getting the vaccine immediately.

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