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http://www.leaderpost.com/health/South+Sask+numbers+buck+influenza+trend/6267780/story.html
South Sask. numbers buck influenza trend
By Pamela Cowan, Leader-Post March 8, 2012
The flu bug in the province is localized, particularly in the Regina Qu'Appelle, Sun Country and Five Hills health regions. But overall, Dr. Maurice Hennink, deputy medical health officer for the RQHR, says this is a normal flu season.
While Saskatchewan is having a normal flu season compared to most of the country and northern hemisphere - where flu numbers are down - the southern part of the province looks like one of the hardest-hit areas.
"We certainly have seen quite a number of influenza cases appearing and the season has been fairly active," Hennink said.
According to the latest map posted on FluWatch, influenza activity in Canada increased slightly during the week of Feb. 19 to 25. As of that time, flu cases were in localized pockets in southern Saskatchewan, Ontario, Newfoundland and British Columbia.
Influenza is very unpredictable so it's difficult to predict exactly how it will unfold for a particular season, Hennink said.
"One of the unique features that we've seen both here and elsewhere is that the viruses that are identified have been fairly stable ever since the pandemic virus was identified in 2009," he said.
This year's and last year's vaccines are good matches with the main flu viruses that are currently circulating.
"Because we are experiencing a fairly normal season - but quite active - the Ministry (of Health) has extended the use of the influenza vaccine recommendations through to the end of April," Hennink said.
snip
"The flu strains are still circulating so that is part of the protective mechanism that folks can put in place," Hennink said.
Since the flu season began in November, a number of people have been hospitalized due to the flu and some have died. In a typical flu season in Saskatchewan, between 20 and 50 deaths can be attributed to influenza, Hennink said.
"In our situation here, I'm aware of five," he said.
...more at link
South Sask. numbers buck influenza trend
By Pamela Cowan, Leader-Post March 8, 2012
The flu bug in the province is localized, particularly in the Regina Qu'Appelle, Sun Country and Five Hills health regions. But overall, Dr. Maurice Hennink, deputy medical health officer for the RQHR, says this is a normal flu season.
While Saskatchewan is having a normal flu season compared to most of the country and northern hemisphere - where flu numbers are down - the southern part of the province looks like one of the hardest-hit areas.
"We certainly have seen quite a number of influenza cases appearing and the season has been fairly active," Hennink said.
According to the latest map posted on FluWatch, influenza activity in Canada increased slightly during the week of Feb. 19 to 25. As of that time, flu cases were in localized pockets in southern Saskatchewan, Ontario, Newfoundland and British Columbia.
Influenza is very unpredictable so it's difficult to predict exactly how it will unfold for a particular season, Hennink said.
"One of the unique features that we've seen both here and elsewhere is that the viruses that are identified have been fairly stable ever since the pandemic virus was identified in 2009," he said.
This year's and last year's vaccines are good matches with the main flu viruses that are currently circulating.
"Because we are experiencing a fairly normal season - but quite active - the Ministry (of Health) has extended the use of the influenza vaccine recommendations through to the end of April," Hennink said.
snip
"The flu strains are still circulating so that is part of the protective mechanism that folks can put in place," Hennink said.
Since the flu season began in November, a number of people have been hospitalized due to the flu and some have died. In a typical flu season in Saskatchewan, between 20 and 50 deaths can be attributed to influenza, Hennink said.
"In our situation here, I'm aware of five," he said.
...more at link