Two H1N1 Deaths in Thunder Bay District

Nov. 2, 2009 - The Health Unit is confirming two deaths in our District, linked to H1N1 flu virus. One is an adult female and the other an adult male. These individuals were residents of Thunder Bay and both had underlying medical conditions. 

“It is regrettable that the virus has taken the lives of people in our community,” said Dr. Samuel Graham, Acting Medical Officer of Health. “Our condolences go out to the family.”

The H1N1 flu and its complications have been more severe among adults under 65 years of age with underlying medical conditions, healthy children 6 months up to 5 years of age, pregnant women, and persons living in remote and isolated settings or communities.

To date, there have been 31 confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu virus in the District of Thunder Bay. Most of the individuals have had mild illness and have recovered.

The Health Unit reminds the public that a flu shot is the best protection against the flu. This week additional clinics have been added to the H1N1 schedule to meet the demand for the vaccine.

The following groups are described by the Ministry of Health as benefiting the most from receiving a H1N1 flu shot:

• People under 65 with chronic conditions
• Pregnant women
• Healthy children 6 months up to 5 years of age
• Persons residing in remote and isolated settings or communities
• Health care workers involved in pandemic response or the delivery of essential health care services
• Household contacts and care providers of persons at high risk who cannot be immunized or may not respond to vaccines. These include:
  • Infants less than six months of age
  • Persons who are immunocompromised
• Populations otherwise identified at high risk (including those identified by Provinces and Territories).

In addition to the flu shot, to prevent spreading and catching the germ that cause illnesses like the flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.
• Sneeze and cough into your upper sleeve.
• Stay home when you are sick and away from work, school and other public places.