Just in time for the holidays: flu reaches peak in Sask.

The temperature is dipping and that could lead to more people getting the flu in the coming weeks.

In an update Thursday, the province stated there have been 255 lab-confirmed cases of the influenza virus in Saskatchewan so far this year.

There have also been six large outbreaks in long-term care facilities, with three occurring last week.

Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer, said not everyone who has influenza goes and gets it confirmed by a doctor, so those numbers might not paint an accurate picture.

Shahab also noted the peak influenza season started earlier this year, as it normally takes place from January to February.

“Usually our peak for flu transmission goes for six to eight weeks, we think we’re around the third week,” Shahab said.

He does believe the flu should level out for a few days while everyone celebrates the holidays and is away from school and the office, but noted it’s likely to pick up the first week of January.

Shabah noted 2017 also saw an unusual pattern to how the flu has spread.

“Usually what we see is the common cold and other respiratory viruses go around in October and November and then there’s a bit of a lull before influenza comes around… (this year) everything seems to have started all together.”

Shahab wanted to remind people they need to continue to wash their hands and take precautions against the flu as they begin their holidays.