The number of influenza cases is growing in the Maritimes, but it’s nothing like the situation developing along the eastern seaboard of the U.S.

The mayors of Boston and New York have declared a public health emergency; there are 700 confirmed cases of the flu in Boston alone.

One children’s soccer club has even told players to refrain from high-fiving to prevent the spread of the disease.

In Nova Scotia the flu is being watched carefully. There are 22 confirmed cases in the province and 94 in New Brunswick.

Some people give credit for not getting sick to getting the flu shot.

“I was in line when they announced they were available and every year I do that,” says Halifax resident Don Riley.

Nova Scotia schools don’t report absenteeism to school boards until it reaches ten per cent.

Halifax West High School reports only 40 of its 1,600 students were absent due to illness Wednesday.

Principal Gary Walker says some students may be coming to school even if they are feeling under the weather because exam exemptions depend on attendance.

However, he says he doesn’t want students or staff members coming to school if they are ill.

“This is not the spot to come because we’re going to spread it to 100 kids.”

With files from CTV Atlantic's Ron Shaw