REGINA – As the number of flu cases spikes across the country, Saskatchewan’s top doctor says there’s nothing out of the ordinary here.
We’re reaching the peak of influenza season, according to Dr. Saqib Shahab, the Saskatchewan chief medical health officer.
141 influenza cases have been confirmed in the last week alone, with 416 cases since October. Shahab calls the flu season “typical” so far.
The Public Health Agency of Canada says the majority of flu cases are coming out of Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. Hospitals are bracing for patients sick with H3N2.
While it hasn’t been as nasty in Saskatchewan, the H3N2 strain is still taking its toll on seniors. Outbreaks have been reported in long term care facilities.
READ MORE: 5 ways to protect yourself from the flu
The latest vaccine is less effective against that strain, Shahab says, meaning older adults are being hit the hardest.
“That’s why, for many people visiting long term care the next couple of weeks, if there’s an outbreak they may be asked to visit just their loved one,” Shahab told Global News. “If they’re sick, obviously they shouldn’t visit.”
“If they haven’t had the flu shot themselves, visitors may be asked to put a mask on just to protect the residents.”
Shahab says it’s never too late to get your flu shot, though the vaccine currently available is less effective against the influenza B strain expected to spike in February or March.
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