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Influenza is the dominant respiratory virus circulating in Saskatchewan, driving an increase in hospitalizations, while COVID-19 and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity also continue to rise, according to the province’s medical health officer.
Dr. Simon Kapaj, a medical health officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, said flu activity had increased across the province, following similar trends in other jurisdictions and countries.
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Listen to Dr. Simon Kapaj on The Evan Bray Show:
“We do have an increase of influenza activity in Saskatchewan,” Kapaj said during an interview on the Evan Bray Show on Friday.
“We’re seeing an increase of flu cases in the community, which is leading to more hospitalizations as well.”
Kapaj said while COVID-19 and RSV were also present, influenza remained the predominant virus causing serious illness. He noted that most patients who had undergone testing were diagnosed with influenza rather than COVID-19 or RSV.
“There is still COVID and RSV in the community, but the predominant virus causing serious issues for many people right now is the flu,” he said.
Kapaj acknowledged this year’s flu vaccine was not a perfect match for the circulating strain but said it remained the most effective tool to reduce severe illness and complications.
“The flu virus changes,” he said. “There may be a slight mismatch, but the vaccine still helps reduce the severity of disease and covers other strains, including influenza B.”
Despite widespread availability, flu vaccine uptake remains low in the province. Kapaj said approximately one in five Saskatchewan residents had received a flu shot so far this season.
“We could do better,” he said. “There is still time for people to get vaccinated, especially before the holidays.”
As more travel and social gatherings approach, Kapaj urges residents to consider both their personal health and the safety of vulnerable loved ones.
He confirmed outbreaks had increased in long-term care facilities, private care homes and group homes, sometimes leading to temporary visitation restrictions.
“These are vulnerable populations,” Kapaj said. “We want to prevent viruses from entering these facilities because complications can be very serious.”
COVID-19 testing had declined compared to earlier in the pandemic, Kapaj said, largely due to widespread immunity from vaccines and prior infections. Testing is still used for hospitalized patients and residents of long-term care homes.
Kapaj also advised residents to contact their family physician first when possible and to seek hospital care if symptoms such as fever, cough or breathing difficulties persisted or worsened.
He encourages eligible residents to consider additional vaccinations, including RSV and pneumococcal vaccines, particularly older adults and those with underlying health conditions.
“Vaccination helps protect individuals, families and the broader community,” Kapaj said.
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