Many Maritimers are scrambling to get flu shots after an outbreak of H1N1 in western Canada. Nearly 1,000 cases of H1N1 have been reported in Alberta and five people have died.

Moncton-area pharmacist Cindy Gillam recommends everyone get vaccinated but says some people are more likely to get sick than others.

“Young kids, older individuals, there’s high-risk populations, such as those with asthma, chronic heart conditions, anyone that’s over 65, under 16, everybody really,” says Gillam.

In Nova Scotia, the deputy chief medical officer of health is encouraging all residents to get a flu shot and take other precautions to avoid getting sick and spreading the disease.

“So far we are seeing a typical flu season in Nova Scotia and we can expect to see our number of cases rise in the coming weeks," said Dr. Frank Atherton in a news release.

"H1N1 is now one of the strains we see every year and it is included in the vaccination. We know that some other Canadian provinces are seeing serious illness among unvaccinated people and this underlines the importance of getting a flu shot."

Atherton told CTV News Monday evening that nine confirmed cases of influenza were tested over the Christmas break.

Maritime pharmacists say they have been vaccinating two to three times as many people as usual since the outbreak was first reported, although some may already be vaccinated against the particular strain of influenza.

“All of the flu shots since 2010 have included H1N1. Of course, it’s not going to cover every strain,” says Gillam.

Fourteen people in New Brunswick have been diagnosed with H1N1 and many residents are doing what they can to protect themselves and their families against the virus.

“I don’t want to get sick and I have 10 grandchildren and I don’t want them to get sick so it’s for the people around me, as well as myself,” says Riverview resident Judy Stiles.

“I always get the flu shot and if it can protect me a little bit, it’s worth it,” says Lorraine Joudrey.

However, not everyone is concerned about protecting themselves against H1N1.

“I take multivitamins and I haven’t gotten the flu in over 10 years,” says Holly Warren. “I don’t see a need for it.”

Gillam says it can take up to two weeks for the flu vaccine to take effect.

Flu symptoms often include sudden high fever, headache, general aches and pains, fatigue and weakness, a runny, stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat, but can lead to more severe illness such as pneumonia or even death.

Health officials say proper hygiene such as handwashing and covering your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing can also help prevent spreading the flu.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Jonathan MacInnis