Sask. flu season reaching peak: Chief medical health officer

If you’re feeling ill, you might want to reconsider those holiday get-togethers.

According to Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer, flu season started three weeks early this year and should peak by the holidays.

Dr. Saqib Shahab’s advice to people is to wash their hands, avoid touching their faces and stay home if sick.

He’s urging those who haven’t yet gotten a flu shot to get vaccinated, adding it takes a few weeks before one develops immunity.

“We’ve given about 277,000 doses of vaccine. It’s about three per cent higher than last year. We’re really happy with the uptake,” Shahab said.

He urged several groups to get the shot: children under five years old, people with underlying health conditions, pregnant women and those who care for or live with the sick or elderly.

“It’s very easily-available now. Most pharmacies give it. Many physician’s offices give it.  Public health clinics are still offering it. So if people are still thinking about getting the flu vaccine, they can still go out and get it easily,” he said.

Since Sept. 1, there have been four deaths and 11 intensive care admissions due to influenza infection. There have been 866 lab-confirmed cases of the flu.

Shahab said it’s hard to predict when flu season peaks from year to year. He said this season is a typical one.