Health officials advise to be vigilant but to keep up routines despite H1N1
Published Saturday November 7th, 2009
New Brunswick's top health officials say it's important that people monitor the progress of the H1N1 virus, but life should continue as normally as possible.
With stories about the pandemic virus making the rounds in coffee shops, lunch rooms and workplaces across the province, many New Brunswickers are having trouble separating the facts from fiction.
Dr. Eilish Cleary, chief medical officer of health, said almost 40 New Brunswick citizens have been admitted to hospital in association with the H1N1 flu - a number that health officials expect will grow.
"As you get more cases, you will see more people develop symptoms that will require hospitalization," she said.
"But it's still a tiny proportion of the number of people that we're seeing sick ... Fortunately, most of those people, even if they are hospitalized, recover very quickly."
She said she hopes people aren't giving up their regular routines over fears that they will contract the illness.
"We're encouraging people to continue with normal social activities," she said. "These things are very important to our society. Whether it was trick-or-treating (for Halloween), or building up to the holiday period, or practising religious ceremonies, these things - I don't think you can just take them away from a society and expect to have the same strong, healthy communities we normally have."
Cleary said there's no guarantee you'll avoid catching a bug if you stay cooped up in your house.
"The risk of transmission of disease is not any higher whether you're out and about in the community, or at school, or at the grocery store or at work," she said.
"We know that this disease spreads in communities and it will do so. So there's not any greater risk from shaking hands, for example, or greeting people with a hug."
Cleary said following good hygienic practices is still the best way to protect yourself.
"What we are saying to people is, if you're sick, it makes sense to stay home, and reduce the amount of disease circulating," she said. "But if you go out, please wash your hands frequently. It will decrease your chances of transmitting the virus, as well as many other viruses."
Lise Daigle, a clinical services representative with the Department of Health, said people should have the same mindset when it comes to seeking medical attention.
She said that if you feel poorly enough that you'd normally seek the advice of a physician, then it's time to go. If you feel like you can battle the illness yourself, there's no need to shuffle into your doctor's office, a walk-in clinic or the local emergency room.
"When you have concerns, and you feel that you cannot manage (the situation) yourself, whether it's for yourself, a family member or a child, then yes, that's where you should go," she said.
"That's no different right now."
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