Sask. influenza numbers spike just in time for the holidays

A total of 255 influenza-like illnesses have been confirmed across the province since Sept. 1

Image | Saqib Shahab

Caption: Dr. Saqib Shahab, chief medical health officer for the Government of Saskatchewan, explained some key precautions residents can take to avoid contracting influenza on Thursday in Regina. (Trent Peppler/CBC News)

Influenza numbers are multiplying just in time for the holidays, and the province is reminding people to take precautions into the new year.
"Once you start seeing outbreaks in long-term care facilities, that's a good sign that influenza season has come and is in full force," said Dr. Saqib Shahab, chief medical health officer for the Government of Saskatchewan, noting that three of six long-term care cases since Sept.1 were reported last week.

Image | Influenza update Dec 10-16

Caption: The province's latest weekly influenza surveillance report for Dec. 10-16. (Government of Saskatchewan website)

Sudden spike in cases

As a general rule of thumb, he denounced the idea of residents visiting long-term care facilities if they're sick.
Other important reminders include calling ahead if you are visiting someone while ill and washing your hands often.
The government's latest Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report for Dec.10- 16 indicates southern and central Saskatchewan have seen a sudden spike in cases.
"Usually our peak in flu transmission goes over six to eight weeks, and we think we're at about our third week," he said.
A total of 255 influenza-like illnesses have been confirmed across Saskatchewan since Sept. 1.