Saskatchewan's Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, reports there are now 11 confirmed H1N1 related deaths in the province and one more under investigation.

The latest two deaths were women between the ages of 40 and 65.

All together there have been five males and 6 females - the majority were middle aged adults, but two were children under 10, and 2 individuals over 65.

Dr. Shahab says they all had underlying medical health conditions.

The province received a shipment of 145-thousand doses of vaccine this week.

Dr. Shahab believes if they get the same amount for the next two weeks, they can have everyone vaccinated that wants the shot by mid-December.

When it comes to H1N1, the demands on the acute care system appear to be decreasing according to Saskatchewan's Director of Emergency Medical Services.

Patrick O'Byrne says in the last 24 hours there have been around 155 emergency room visits in the province presenting with influenza-like illness.

As of this morning (Tues) there were 110 patients in hospitals receiving care for influenza-like illness.

30 of these patients are in intensive care units, and O'Byrne adds that most of the I-C-U pressure at the moment seems to be concentrated in Saskatoon at this time.

Chief Deputy Medical Health Officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, says it's important to get vaccinated to help the second wave of the flu to end, which is expected to happen mid-December, and getting vaccinated will also help to prevent a third wave.

www.health.gov.sk.ca/influenza-monitor

HealthLine  1-877-800-0002

(ct/nov24/09)

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