The number of flu-related deaths in Saskatchewan is up to 16 from 12, surpassing the number of people who died in the 2009 pandemic.
Dr. James Irvine is the Medical Health Officer for the province’s three northern health regions.
He says it appears influenza appears to have peaked in southern Saskatchewan, but in some northern communities it is just starting to show up.
“We have had cases sporadically throughout the north though it has been predominantly the western part of northern Saskatchewan so I think there is still the chance for this to move toward more easterly direction and further north as well.”
Provincial officials say what’s unusual this year is that men are two times more likely to die or be admitted to intensive care compared to women.
Dr Irvine says men should also be making an effort to get immunized.
“Sometimes it is maybe the mothers who bring the children to get immunized and get immunized themselves, but we encourage fathers and young male adults to also consider getting a flu shot.”
Irvine says the next two-weeks would be a good time for northern residents to get immunized since the flu vaccine covers the H1N1 virus along with other viruses which could show up later this winter.