VICTORIA - In the last seven days another three people have died from complications with H1N1 flu on Vancouver Island. On November 2nd a middle aged woman from the central island and a man between the age of 20 and 39 died after contracting the virus. Two days later on November 4th, another woman from the south island lost her battle with the pandemic flu.
In total eight people have died from H1N1 in BC since last week. The province's chief medical health officer says the numbers are in line with what he expected since the outbreak began.
20 percent of the population has already received the vaccine in BC, but it is unknown if the people who died in the last week had been inoculated. All of them were eligible to receive the vaccine because all had underlying health conditions.
"I do expect there will be more people hospitalized and I expect that we will see more deaths, especially as we approach the peak or the flattening or the downturn of this wave," says Dr. Perry Kendall, Provincial Health Officer.
The peak may happen soon. 20 people were hospitalized this week with serious cases of H1N1. That's just marginally higher than last weeks numbers
At least one family physician aims to put these numbers in perspective at a free public forum on H1N1 next week. The seminar takes place Thursday November 19 at 7pm at Lambrick Park Church.
Forum host Dr. David Williams says there is a lot of confusion and problems will people who are unable to understand what they've been told.. "I guess the goal is to decrease anxiety, and give people the information they need so that if they get sick, they'll know what to do," he says.
A lot of that anxiety can likely be attributed to the dwindling supply of the flu vaccine in BC. While more is coming by the end of the week, it won't be distributed until the beginning of next week.
Meanwhile, Victoria police have launched an investigation after someone claiming to be a nurse tried to prey on vulnerable people during the vaccine shortage. An ad posted on the buy-and-sell website usedvictoria.com offered the H1N1 vaccine to the highest bidder. Sgt. Grant Hamilton says the Victoria Police department's major crimes unit is investigating and trying to trace who placed the illegal ad.
Still, in an attempt to calm fears, health officials say they hope to have the H1N1 vaccine in the arms of everyone who needs and wants it by Christmas.
