Sask. influenza numbers spike just in time for the holidays

Influenza numbers are multiplying just in time for the holidays, and the provinceis reminding people to take precautions into the new year.

"Once you start seeing outbreaks in long-term care facilities, that's a good sign that influenza season has come and is in full force," said Dr. Saqib Shahab, chief medical health officer for the Government of Saskatchewan, noting that three of six long-term care cases since Sept.1were reported last week.

Sudden spike in cases

As a general rule of thumb, he denounced the idea of residents visiting long-term care facilities if they're sick.

Other important reminders include callingahead if you are visiting someone while illand washing your hands often.

The government's latest Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report for Dec.10- 16 indicates southern and central Saskatchewan have seen a sudden spikein cases.

• Get your flu shots early, says Sask. chief medical health officer
• Dozens of students sick at Regina school

"Usually our peak in flu transmission goes over six to eight weeks, and we think we're at about our third week," he said.

A total of 255 influenza-like illnesseshave been confirmed across Saskatchewan since Sept. 1.