Flu season off to slow start, expected to increase in coming weeks

REGINA – The Ministry of Health says influenza numbers are down this season but are expected to rise in the coming weeks.

So far this season, there have been no reported cases of any hospitalization or deaths caused by the flu.

The province says it’s a slow start to the season compared to last year, when flu season peaked around Christmas time.

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“Usually this time is too late to get the flu vaccine,” said chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab. “This year if for some reason you haven’t gotten around to get the flu shot, you can actually still go and get it and get protection from the flu. This year the flu shot has been very easy to get.”

The province says over 270,000 doses of the influenza vaccine were administered by public health, pharmacists, and long-term care workers.

This season’s vaccine is estimated to be up to 60 per cent effective against the virus.

The Ministry is urging anyone 65 years or older, under the age of nine, or has underlying medical conditions to get vaccinated.