Dr. Khami Chokani hopes to see more people getting their flu shots. (File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Flu update

Medical Health Officer urges public to get flu immunizations

Jan 5, 2020 | 2:00 PM

The flu season in the northeast has been similar to previous years, if not a little slower than usual.

That’s according to Dr. Khami Chokani, Medical Health Officer, Saskatchewan Health Authority Population and Public Health.

However, Dr. Chokani said there are other viruses circulating as well.

“Those are viruses for which we don’t have a direct vaccine,” said Dr. Chokani.

“But by people taking the influenza vaccine, there is a bit of cross-protection… not guaranteed cross-protection, but makes it much better for you.”

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Dr. Chokani said with the other viruses circulating for the past six months, it’s difficult to differentiate as to whether illnesses are due to those viruses or influenza.

The influenza vaccine this season seems to be a good match to battle the dominant strain of the virus, according to Dr. Chokani.

He said there are several important things to remember to stop the spread of the virus, including rigorous hand washing, and covering coughs with your arm.

The flu shot is still available, and Dr. Chokani stressed that it’s very important to be immunized.

“If you haven’t had it, get it,” said Dr. Chokani. “We need to have as many people as possible immunized.”

Those with a higher risk of influenza-related complications include young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone with underlying chronic health conditions.

But Dr. Chokani stressed that even the healthy should get their flu shot.

“Even if you are feeling healthy, remember, you can be the carrier [of the virus],” said Dr. Chokani. “Just because you’re the carrier doesn’t mean you are going to be sick. You’re the one who might be the one who’s carrying the influenza virus and you’re passing it around to other people because you haven’t had your flu shot.”

The latest Saskatchewan Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report from the week ending Dec. 28, 2019 indicated there have been 535 lab-confirmed influenza cases province-wide since Sept. 1.

There were 198 new lab-confirmed cases for the week of Dec. 22 to 28.

Five deaths have been attributed to the flu since Sept. 1.

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cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974