H1N1 flu virus 'miserable,' top doctor warns
October 24, 2009
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Theresa Boyle
HEALTH REPORTER
Confirming for the first time that a second wave of the pandemic flu has a hold on Canada, public health officials are turning up the volume about the risks of the H1N1 virus in the face of anti-vaccine sentiment.
"This is a very real risk," Canada's chief public health officer warned. "Even in its mildest form, it's miserable and at its worst it kills or puts into ICUs and on ventilator support perfectly previously healthy, young people."
Dr. David Butler-Jones made his comments Friday in a teleconference as part of a full-court press to get every Canadian, 6 months old and older, inoculated against the pandemic virus.
And while children aged 9 and under are advised to receive two doses of the vaccine, new research indicates one may be enough, Butler-Jones acknowledged, urging parents to get their children vaccinated with the first dose and stay tuned for more information.
It's possible that 5 per cent of Canada's population has already been infected with the virus and that another 20 to 30 per cent could get it over the next 18 months, Butler-Jones said.
All indicators are up in the pandemic's second wave, including the number of positive tests and the number of people doctors see with flu symptoms.
Butler-Jones drew parallels to the Spanish Flu of 1918-19, which contributed to the deaths of 50,000 Canadians.
Noting that Canada has ordered $300 million worth of vaccine, he said the cost would be much greater if preparations weren't in place.
The vaccine was finally approved this week, but one poll commissioned earlier this month by The Canadian Press and Harris Decima showed only a third of Canadians plan to get the shot.
Toronto Star
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