The flu bug is biting much earlier this year
REGINA It’s the gift that keeps on giving, and it’s one everyone wants to give back as soon as they receive it.
It’s flu season in Saskatchewan and it’s come early this year — approximately three weeks earlier than last year — meaning this year’s first round of the bug is now getting into full swing.
The province announced on Monday a total of 866 lab-confirmed cases since Sept. 1, of which four have resulted in death and 11 in admissions to intensive care — an increase over last year’s numbers, when just 170 cases had been reported by this time, with no deaths and two ICU admissions.
The province’s chief medical health officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, said that isn’t a sign this year is any worse than last; rather he attributed the to-date increase to the fact the flu bug started biting significantly earlier in 2018 than in 2017.
“So far, it seems like a typical influenza season,” he said. “We are just starting to peak and so we should be peaking right in time for the holidays ... The H1N1 season does impact slightly more children under the age of five and younger adults with underlying health conditions. So we are seeing the usual reports of hospitalizations and into hospital and ICU, which we expect to see every year, but more so with H1N1 in the younger population.”
According to provincial figures, the current flu wave appears to have started to spike in early December, with reported rates highest among pre-school-aged children. Shahab noted those most vulnerable to serious complications from the flu are whom one might expect: People with existing health conditions, older seniors with existing health issues, and young children.
Shahab advised the public to do what they can to avoid spreading and catching the flu: Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth when out, sneeze and cough into a tissue or your sleeve, stay home for a few days while battling the bug and don’t send sick kids to daycare or school.
Given the fact this particular flu is peaking just before the holidays, prevention might also entail avoiding family gatherings.
“Especially if you’re visiting family (or) friends in hospital or longterm care, it’s really important not to visit if you’re sick because that’s how we introduce influenza to people who are more vulnerable to the flu,” he said.
He also urged the public to take advantage of the flu vaccine.
To date, approximately 277,000 people have been vaccinated, about three per cent higher than last year.
Shahab pointed out it isn’t too late to get the shot if you haven’t already — particularly since it is expected to help prevent additional strains that have not yet hit. While he said there’s no way to know exactly what strain might be predominant during the anticipated second wave of flu later in the winter, the vaccine immunizes against more than one strain — meaning it’s expected to be effective whatever the upcoming bug.
So far, it seems like a typical influenza season. We are just starting to peak. DR. SAQIB SHAHAB