The flu season has officially hit the prairies with the first report being released yesterday by the Government of Saskatchewan.

This year, the flu season started much later than 2018, as we are three weeks into December and last year, the first report was released on November 24. However, that means, it is expected to peak over the holidays with the next two to three weeks likely producing the highest number of cases.

So far, 183 lab-confirmed cases have been reported with five outbreaks in long-term care facilities and one case which resulted in ICU care.

Dr. Saqib Shahab, Chief Medical Health Officer, shared that this year, the World Health Organization decided to include two 'A' strains and two 'B' strains in the vaccine, which is likely boding well for us in Saskatchewan.

“We have seen that the strains that were included in the vaccine this year, are those that we are seeing circulating in North America,” said Shahab. He continued by saying although that is likely good news for those who received their flu shot, severity can still vary from person to person.

Further, he stated that last year, the H1N1 strain was predominantly circulating, with children and young adults having a higher susceptibility to contracting the virus. This year, however, Dr. Shahab said it is the S3N2 strain that is most predominant, which the flu vaccine can be less effective.

The government ordered a record number of vaccines this year with a total of 436,000 being shipped to the province. To date, Dr. Shahab said that 330,000 have been administered, which is an increase of 15 percent over last year’s numbers.

As the peak of this year’s flu season will coincide with the holidays, Dr. Shahab said to take extra precautions while visiting friends and family, especially those who are very young, over the age of 65 and those who are in the hospital or enduring a chronic illness.

He stated that we will likely see the flu season stick around until mid-February, after which, he expects a decline in cases will occur.

Proper hygiene including covering your mouth when you cough and washing your hands, can go a long way in preventing the spread of the flu virus. Additionally, Dr. Shahab said to stay home from work, or school, if possible – while dealing with the flu. Not only will the proper care help your body fight the virus, but it will also prevent the spread to others.