EDMONTON — Alberta’s chief medical officer of health says the risk of getting the swine flu in the province remains low despite the World Health Organization’s announcement of a pandemic.
Dr. Andre Corriveau says he expects the number of swine flu cases in Alberta to drop over the summer months and then pick up again in the fall.
He says the province is preparing for that expected increase in cases by bolstering monitoring and stockpiling flu vaccine that could be widely available starting in October.
Corriveau says people can help prevent getting the flu by taking common sense precautions such as washing their hands and staying home from work or school if they develop symptoms.
He says people should call HealthLink Alberta for advice if they think they have the flu before going to see a doctor.
Alberta Health Services says so far 216 people have been diagnosed with H1N1 virus in the province, including five serious cases.