Saskatchewan health officials are are encouraging people not to wait to get their flu shots with the peak season over a month away.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority says a “small” number cases of influenza have appeared in Saskatoon, including one in a long-term care facility.
“We find the H1N1 is the one that is in the circulation at this stage,” said medical health officer Simon Kapaj.
H1N1 is one of the strains covered by this year’s flu vaccine, which has been available to the general public since Oct. 22 at public health clinics and pharmacies.
Approximately 5,500 people were vaccinated during a four-day clinic at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon.
“If more people receive the flu shot it means (we will) have less virus in the community,” Kapj said, adding they normally see cases peak around the end of December.
Kapj said its beneficial for everyone to get immunized, especially children under 5, pregnant women, seniors and people with health conditions.
The province reported over 3,200 cases of influenza last season, resulting in 13 deaths.