New advice to Nova Scotians on H1N1 care

Nova Scotians now have more detailed advice on what to do if they have flu-like symptoms, which include fever and/or cough, sore throat and extreme tiredness. "Up to this point in time, we have been telling people that if they are sick, they should stay home. Now, as we have learned more about the H1N1 virus, we have new guidelines that offer much better clarity and direction on what to do if you have influenza symptoms," said Dr. Ken Buchholz, senior physician advisor, Department of Health.

People with symptoms in risk groups – those younger than five, pregnant women and people younger than 65 with a chronic medical condition for which they receive regular medical care –should be assessed and receive early treatment as soon as possible. They should visit family doctors, nurse practitioners or family health nurses, go to a walk-in clinic, or visit a primary assessment centre, if one is available in their area.

People with severe flu-like symptoms, which may include shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, severe vomiting, high fever and confusion, should call 911, or immediately go to the local emergency room. "As we are starting to see an increase in cases of flu throughout the province, it is important that Nova Scotians know how to recognize flu-like symptoms, and when and where to seek medical care," said Dr. Buchholz.

Like other provinces and territories, Nova Scotia has a stockpile of antiviral drugs. It is being distributed to district health authorities and pharmacies and supplies should be in stock everywhere by early next week. Antivirals will be available, at no cost, to Nova Scotians who are in the risk groups and have a prescription.

People with flu-like symptoms who are otherwise healthy should stay home until they are feeling well. If their condition worsens, they should seek medical care.

Effective today, lab tests will be done only on people admitted to hospital with flu symptoms so labs are focused on testing those who need it most.

For information and advice on H1N1, people can contact Healthlink 811 to speak with a registered nurse. For more information on H1N1, including who is at risk, flu symptoms and primary assessment centres, visit www.gov.ns.ca/h1n1 .