More Nova Scotians are dying from the Flu than COVID; here's what the data shows
Influenza has now overtaken
COVID-19
as the leading cause of respiratory-related deaths in Nova Scotia this season, the first time this has happened since the pandemic began. According to the province's latest respiratory watch report, 124 people have died from influenza so far during the 2024–25 respiratory season. In comparison, COVID-19 has been linked to 108 deaths in the same period.
The current respiratory season began on August 25, 2024, and runs until August 29, 2025. Health officials say this shift highlights changing patterns in virus transmission and immunity. Experts warn that the flu is now a far bigger threat to public health locally.
Also Read:
Is Calgary's tap water safe again? Why a controversial mineral is making a splash again
Play Video
Pause
Skip Backward
Skip Forward
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
0:00
Loaded
:
0%
0:00
Stream Type
LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
1x
Playback Rate
Chapters
Chapters
Descriptions
descriptions off
, selected
Captions
captions settings
, opens captions settings dialog
captions off
, selected
Audio Track
Picture-in-Picture
Fullscreen
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text
Color
White
Black
Red
Green
Blue
Yellow
Magenta
Cyan
Opacity
Opaque
Semi-Transparent
Text Background
Color
Black
White
Red
Green
Blue
Yellow
Magenta
Cyan
Opacity
Opaque
Semi-Transparent
Transparent
Caption Area Background
Color
Black
White
Red
Green
Blue
Yellow
Magenta
Cyan
Opacity
Transparent
Semi-Transparent
Opaque
Font Size
50%
75%
100%
125%
150%
175%
200%
300%
400%
Text Edge Style
None
Raised
Depressed
Uniform
Drop shadow
Font Family
Proportional Sans-Serif
Monospace Sans-Serif
Proportional Serif
Monospace Serif
Casual
Script
Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values
Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Play War Thunder now for free
War Thunder
Play Now
Undo
Some disease specialists say the trend reflects strong vaccine uptake and natural immunity against COVID‑19. She added that while COVID‑19 deaths are declining, the flu is surging.
Live Events
This year's influenza activity began early. Confirmed flu cases climbed through late winter and spring. Hospital admissions from influenza have increased significantly. Clinics and hospitals are now seeing more flu‑related complications than COVID‑19 cases.
Unlike COVID‑19, influenza has not attracted the same public concern. Mask mandates and testing protocols are no longer in place, which, according to health officials, may be contributing to the rapid spread.
Flu vaccines are still available in Nova Scotia. Health providers strongly recommend them for all residents. They emphasize immunizing older adults, young children, and people with chronic health conditions, as these groups remain most at risk for severe flu complications.
COVID‑19 boosters are also available. However, uptake has slowed, especially among younger and low‑risk groups. This may explain why COVID‑19 deaths remain stable, even as cases continue at a low but steady pace.
Nova Scotia's health authorities are now focused on public education. They stress that both flu and COVID‑19 vaccines are essential. Officials are urging residents to stay home if unwell and to maintain good hygiene.
Hospital capacity is becoming a concern again. Bed occupancy and emergency visits have risen with the flu wave. Health officials warn that the system could be stretched if the flu season continues.
The provincial government plans to track flu and COVID‑19 data closely and update policy based on case trends and hospital pressure, and no new restrictions are planned at this time.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
26 minutes ago
- Time of India
NFO Alert: Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund launches healthcare and wellness fund
Baroda BNP Paribas Asset Management has launched its latest new fund offer – Baroda BNP Paribas Health and Wellness Fund , an open-ended equity scheme will focus on companies that are expected to benefit from the rising demand in healthcare and wellness—an emerging megatrend both in India and globally. The new fund offer or NFO of the scheme is open for subscription and will close on June 23. Also Read | 3 equity mutual fund categories lose up to 7% in 2025. Expert shares what went wrong Best MF to invest Looking for the best mutual funds to invest? Here are our recommendations. View Details » by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Undo The fund aims to capitalise on the multi-decade structural growth story in healthcare and wellness space. While India's existing per capita healthcare expenditure is quite low compared to developed markets, it is expected to grow exponentially on the back of rising affordability, increasing awareness, longer life expectancy, and higher incidence of chronic diseases, according to a press release. "Over the last century or so, average life expectancy in India has more than tripled. Throughout the life stages from a toddler to a septuagenarian, there is a constant need and expenditure towards one's well being. Given the low starting base of per capita expenditure on healthcare, we see this sector as a multi decadal opportunity that seeks promising prospects for investors,' said Suresh Soni, CEO, Baroda BNP Paribas AMC. Live Events India is facing an alarming surge in chronic diseases. The incidence of cardiac ailments, diabetes, and cancer could grow by 34–41% this decade. This unfortunate trend reinforces the need for robust preventive and curative healthcare systems, creating fertile ground for investment. 'India offers a $200 billion market cap opportunity with over 100 investible companies across pharma, diagnostics, Medtech, hospitals, insurance, and healthcare research,' said Sanjay Chawla, CIO – Equity, Baroda BNP Paribas AMC. Also Read | Quant Small Cap Fund increases stake in Jio Financial Services, NCC and reduces in Aadhar Housing Finance The BSE Healthcare Index has consistently outperformed the BSE 500 TRI over the last 1, 3, 7, and 15 years, driven by stronger earnings growth. These gains span companies across all market caps—large, mid, and small, the release said. This thematic fund is suited for investors who have an investment horizon of three years or more. The fund offers investors the opportunity to participate in India's growing health consciousness and invest in an evolving ecosystem of wellness-focused businesses. ( Disclaimer : Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
The Print
an hour ago
- The Print
Six active COVID-19 cases in Assam, two recoveries in last 24 hours
Guwahati, Jun 9 (PTI) Assam's active Covid case count declined to six in the current wave as two more persons recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data released on Monday. According to the data, there are six active cases in Assam, while two have recovered since Sunday.
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
COVID-19 cases in India climb to 6,491, no deaths in past 24 hours
COVID-19 cases in India, June 9: As of 8 am on Monday, June 9, the total number of active coronavirus cases in India was reported to be 6,491 (from January 2025), according to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's (MoH&FW) daily COVID-19 bulletin. The active case tally of the country has increased by 358 since yesterday. According to the ministry's data, Kerala has been the most affected by COVID-19, with as many as 1,957 active cases. 7 new cases were reported in the state in 24 hours. The national capital, Delhi, recorded 42 new cases in the last 24 hours, taking its total tally to 728. Kerala Gujarat West Bengal Delhi Maharashtra Arunachal Pradesh Mizoram Tripura Chandigarh Himachal Pradesh The health ministry said that no Covid-related deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours. As many as 65 Covid deaths have been recorded since January. Since January 2025, Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of deaths — 18, followed by Kerala (15), Delhi (7), Karnataka (9), Tamil Nadu (6), Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat (2 each); and Rajasthan and West Bengal (1 each). The health ministry said that as many as 624 Covid patients had recovered and were discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours. The total number of patients discharged since January 2025 has been recorded at 6,861. To bolster readiness, the central government has initiated mock drills across hospitals nationwide, evaluating critical resources such as oxygen supply, ventilators, and essential medicines to handle potential surges efficiently. Officials have maintained that most cases are mild and managed under home care.
