N.B. swine flu cases double in a week

Three more cases of swine flu were confirmed by the New Brunswick Health Department Thursday, bringing the number of cases in the province to 20, double the number reported just a week ago.

The latest infected patients are a woman in her 40s and a boy and a girl, all from the Moncton area, none of whom are in hospital.

A woman from northern New Brunswick so far has been the only case requiring hospitalization.

"We are expecting more cases. We are expecting more severe cases. The health system is gearing up to make sure we have all of the acute systems in place that will be necessary for the virus as the winter approaches," said Dr. Paul Van Buynder, the province's deputy chief medical officer of health.

Officials say there is no need for residents in the province to stop their normal activities. However, they have reminded everyone to continue with preventive measures such as hand washing to stop the spread of the virus.

People with weakened immune systems should still see their doctors and be tested if they have flu symptoms.