With six deadly flu cases across Saskatchewan so far, the southeast region as well as Estevan in particular coped to manage the flu wave quite well.
The former Sun Country Health Region had 76 lab-confirmed cases, 90 per cent of which were due to influenza A H1N1 type. St. Joseph’s hospital registered 29 lab-positive cases.
A medical health officer with Saskatchewan Health Authority Dr. Lanri Medu noticed that people of any age are at risk of getting the flu.
“The youngest (person with lab-confirmed flu) was about eight months and the oldest was about 93 years of age. The average is at about 37 years of age. Half of lab confirmed cases we had were persons between ages of 30 and 65,” Medu said.
Younger children and adults with underlying health conditions, particularly pregnant women, are more at risk of having severe influenza.
So far, in Estevan there was only one dangerous flu case in a minor. The child has since recovered and is back at home.
Medu noticed that this year A H1N1 type influenza is predominant, and up to this moment there were no B type cases registered.
Usually flu comes with muscle pain and headaches, fever, may or may not be accompanied by cough and runny nose. Sometimes it’s not easy to tell the difference between flu and a regular cold.
“The common cold tends to have a slower onset. On the other hand, flu tends to have more certain onset,” Medu said.
He underlined that if you find yourself experiencing the above symptoms it would be a good idea to visit the doctor.
“In most cases flu is not severe and doesn’t require hospitalization. But if the individual were feeling ill, you would want to go see the doctor and have the doctor assess. The doctor will be able to identify if there are any red flags,” Medu said.
Once you begin to feel sick improve on hygiene. If you are coughing cough into your sleeve. Regular hand wash and self-isolation would also help to prevent the spread.
In most cases, the treatment of flu tends to be supportive and in about three to five days individuals usually feel better.
Even though the flu wave is at its peak point, Medu said that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get a flu shot, if one hasn’t had it yet.
“One of the best preventive measures that we have is flu vaccine. It’s still available at this time,” Medu said. “And you are not going to get the flu from the flu shot.”
On the other hand, wearing a facemask may reduce your exposure to the influenza, but will not totally protect you from getting sick and is not recommended as a flu prevention initiative.
According to health officials, this winter Saskatchewan is experiencing a much stronger flu wave with over 1,700 lab-confirmed cases across the province against about 700 cases last year.
