Influenza cases continue to rise in Nova Scotia

Between Nov. 27 and Dec. 3, the province noted 673 new cases of influenza. So far, there have been 1,652 laboratory-confirmed cases of Influenza A and 1 laboratory confirmed case of Influenza B reported during the 2022-2023 flu season.

Province's Respiratory Watch Report notes 673 new cases between Nov. 27 and Dec. 3

Anjuli Patil · CBC News · Posted: Dec 08, 2022 2:38 PM EST | Last Updated: December 9, 2022

A Cape Breton man says getting a flu shot, like the man in this file photo from Toronto, should be available at no charge to seniors, even if they want the high-dose vaccine. — The influenza vaccine is available from most family physicians, family practice nurses, nurse practitioners and pharmacists in Nova Scotia. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)

Nova Scotia reported 673 new cases of influenza for the reporting period between Nov. 27 and Dec. 3.

This is up from the 524 cases of influenza in the previous reporting period from Nov. 20 to Nov. 26.

In the latest report, the province said 94 people were hospitalized, including 10 people who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The province also reported three deaths.

To date for the 2022-23 flu season, there have been 1,653 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza.

There have also been 251 hospitalizations, with 17 ICU admissions and 15 deaths.

CBC News asked for clarification on the number of deaths, noting the eight deaths reported last week and the three deaths reported this week total 11, not 15. A spokesperson for the Health Department said Friday a lag in reporting may have caused the discrepancy.

The deaths include people who tested positive for influenza, but influenza may not have been a major contributing cause of death or hospitalization.

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