Each week, the Saskatchewan Health Authority releases a look at the influenza numbers in Saskatchewan. For the week ending December 15th, numbers were up across the province, as it appeared the peak of flu season was here.

There were 162 new lab-confirmed cases of influenza reported in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed cases since September 1st to 1165. The jump for the week, combined with the number of instances of influenza reported so far had the Health Authority indicate south Saskatchewan, which includes the Sun Country region, is experiencing localized outbreaks.

So far this year, the flu is being blamed for four deaths, as 12 admissions to intensive care across the province. In part, this is due to the strain of flu being seen this year: H1N1.

“Unfortunately, every year, we do see hospitalization and death,” explained Dr. Saqib Shahab, the chief medical health officer for the province of Saskatchewan. “They are more likely in people with underlying risk factors, the elderly, people with a chronic underlying disease, and children under five.”

Dr. Shahab recommended those who have the flu stay at home, and avoid contact with those most at risk.