Flu cases beginning to show in northern Nova Scotia

With the first confirmed flu cases of the season showing up in northern Nova Scotia, the area’s chief medical officer of health says it’s not to late to get a flu shot.

“It’s never too late,” Dr. Ryan Sommers said. ”We’re starting to see some increased flu activity in our zone that includes Cumberland, Colchester, East Hants and Pictou.”

Sommers said the last few weeks have seen “a couple” of positive cases of influenza with people admitted to hospital while at least one nursing home has had an outbreak of the flu.

Other areas of the province, such as Cape Breton and along the South Shore, are seeing more cases and Sommers said it’s only a matter of time before more cases pop up in northern Nova Scotia.

He said media reports have indicated western Canada and Ontario have seen increased hospital admissions and right now health officials are working to ensure the is a good match for the flu shot that’s being distributed across the province.

“We’re very fortunate in that we’re just starting to see indications of the flu now so we can take steps to protect ourselves so we’re ready for the flu when it arrives,” he said.

The best defence is still a flu shot, Sommers said, adding it takes 10 to 14 days for the immunization to turn on the recipient’s immune system. He said it’s very easy to get a flu shot, either from a physician, nurse practitioner or pharmacist. The flu vaccine is free for all Nova Scotians. He said there’s no risk taking the vaccine and it doesn’t give recipients the flu.

Sommers said it’s important for everyone to get a vaccine, but stressed those with chronic health conditions, the young and the elderly – as well as their caregivers – should be immunized.

There has been a cold circulating in the area in recent weeks, but he said it’s not necessarily the flu. The biggest difference is the flu includes a fever, headache, achy joints and “the feeling that you’ve been hit by a bus.”

There are other steps to take including frequent hand washing with warm, soapy water, covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing and being careful sharing utensils, glasses and water bottles.