The Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA) is looking to remind people about the importance of taking precautions to protect against the flu.
The northern health authority recently announced that three people had died as a result of the flu.
NITHA Medical Health Officer Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka told MBC Radio News they are reporting more lab confirmed cases along with a large increase in the number of people being hospitalized due to influenza.
“NITHA has reported a total of 50 lab confirmed influenza cases, which is up by 92 per cent compared to the same period last year,” he said.
With the three deaths, Ndubuka said NITHA was reporting a mortality rate of six per cent. He said the three people who passed away all had underlying health conditions which likely impacted their ability to fight off infection.
When it comes to the number of flu shots administered so far this year, Ndubuka said the number is down compared to last year.
“We’ve had an eight per cent decrease in the uptake this year compared to the same period last year,” he said.
Looking at the full numbers, Ndubuka said as of Nov. 20 a total of 3,741 flu shots have been administered so far this year, down slightly compared to this time last year when 3,988 had been given out.
Going forward Ndubuka said they are continuing to encourage people to get their flu and COVID-19 shots. He explained both shots are available in all of their communities and front line staff are working to make sure people know the shots are available.
“Our health teams in the communities are continuing to do a great job to advertise the product, in terms of who’s eligible and where it’s available,” he said.
Along with encouraging people to get their flu and COVID-19 shots, which can be administered safely at the same time, Ndubuka said people should also remember to apply lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Stay home if one is ill, wear a mask as much as possible, especially in crowded spaces and (we’re) encouraging people to maintain hand hygiene,” he said.
(Top Photo. File photo courtesy of Government of Saskatchewan.)