Influenza has claimed the lives of at least seven people in nursing homes in eastern Newfoundland, although a medical officer cautions that the current strain of flu is not necessarily worse than previous years.

Dr. David Allison said the current strain of flu has been spread very quickly. (CBC)

David Allison, the medical officer of health in Eastern Health's region, said seven or eight people have died from complications linked to influenza, largely in nursing homes.

"But you have to remember those are the situations where the people with the most complex medical problems are, and sometimes influenza is the least of their worries," Allison told CBC News Monday.

"I've not heard of any young, previously well person who's been seriously ill or died as a consequence of influenza."

Two people in Central Newfoundland have also died from influenza this season.

Allison said a key factor of this year's strain is its speed, but not necessarily its strength.

"What we're seeing is a lot of people sick, very quickly. The strain has certainly spread very widely," he said.

"I don't know if it shows up as particularly bad — it's just very easily spread."

Eastern Health has imposed visiting restriction at many of its facilities to help contain the spread of flu, and to protect those who are suffering.

"I'm not sure we're at the peak of the outbreak yet. Hopefully it will settle down in a week or two," he said.

Meanwhile, Allison said health care providers are dealing with a simultaneous outbreak of a gastrointestinal bug.

"Both of these conditions, we need to keep a close eye on," said Allison, who added that health managers are urging employees and the public to wash their hands and keep their environment clean.

"Those kinds of prevention methods are really important to get around," he said.