SASKATOON – Saskatchewan health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated in light of increasing influenza activity in the province.
Some people with severe illness have already been hospitalized.
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health says H1N1 is the predominant strain causing illness this flu season.
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This strain of the virus is included in this year’s flu vaccine.
“We encourage Saskatchewan residents to get a flu shot if they haven’t already done so, and practice good hand hygiene to help them avoid getting sick,” said Dr. Denise Werker, deputy chief medical health officer.
High-risk groups for influenza include those with chronic health conditions, seniors, long-term care facility residents, severely obese people, children under five and pregnant women.
The influenza vaccine is still available through public health clinics and some physicians’ and nurse practitioners’ offices.
People can call HealthLine 811 or visit the ministry of health for more information.
Influenza activity is expected to increase into 2014.
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