Despite declining H1N1 flu activity, the virus killed four more B.C. residents and hospitalized 105 others over the past week.

One death each was recorded in the Vancouver Coastal, Vancouver Island, Interior and Northern health regions.

"All four of these patients had underlying medical conditions," said Dr. Eric Young, B.C.'s deputy provincial health officer.

It brings to 34 the number of people who have died in the province since the flu pandemic broke out last spring. More than 860 have been hospitalized.

Young said the province continues to see a decline in hospitalizations, antivirals being prescribed and doctors' visits for flu-like symptoms – all continued signs H1N1 is in retreat here.

Doctors' visits for flu symptoms – tracked by the number of Medical Services Plan billings – peaked at about 10 per cent of all visits, but has since declined to about two per cent.

Young noted that's still a bit above the usual 0.5 to one per cent of doctors visits in a regular flu season.

Intensive care units in Lower Mainland hospitals remain busy, he said, and the number of ER visits is easing.

He cautioned H1N1 flu could continue to infect many B.C. residents through the Christmas holidays.

"We want to encourage people to go get the vaccine," Young said. "Don't let H1N1 spoil your holiday."

The province last Thursday stopped priorizing vaccine access and began allowing anyone to get the shot.

Depending on demand, some clinics may run short of vaccine later this week, Young said.

But much more is on the way.

More than 630,000 doses are to arrive this Thursday and another 750,000 is to be shipped next week.

That means 1.4 million doses will be ready to go over the next two weeks – as much vaccine as has been distributed in B.C. to date.

Young said that should ensure everyone who wants it is vaccinated by Christmas and help guard against any third wave of the virus.

"We will have a huge proportion of the population immune," he said.

So far 18 people in B.C. have had adverse reactions to the vaccine, one of them described as severe that resulted in the patient being briefly hospitalized.

Young said he believes many more people are being vigilant about hand washing, good cough etiquette and staying home if they're contagious.

"I get the feeling people are way more careful."

H1N1 severe cases in B.C.

Fraser – 336, including 12 deaths

Interior – 185, including seven deaths

Northern – 38, including one death

Vancouver Coastal – 230, including eight deaths

Vancouver Island – 74, including six deaths