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Health officials are strongly encouraging Saskatchewan residents to protect themselves against influenza in light of increasing flu activity in the province

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  • Health officials are strongly encouraging Saskatchewan residents to protect themselves against influenza in light of increasing flu activity in the province

    Public Encouraged to Get a Free Flu Shot

    Health officials are strongly encouraging Saskatchewan residents to protect themselves against influenza in light of increasing flu activity in the province. H1N1 is the predominant strain circulating.

    http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/
    ---------------------------------
    Influenza

    Influenza cases are on the increase. H1N1 is the predominant strain circulating. This means that children under 5 years of age as well as young and middle-aged adults are more likely to be susceptible to influenza.



    January 3, 2014 Influenza Update (data up to December 28, 2013)
    • 161 laboratory confirmed cases
    • 7 hospitalizations (ICU)
    • 3 deaths
    Influenza vaccine is free of charge for Saskatchewan residents. Everyone six months of age and older is eligible to receive the free vaccine through the 2013-2014 immunization program.

    Free flu shots are available through public health clinics and some physicians' and nurse practitioners' offices.

    The publicly funded vaccine will be an intramuscular delivered product. There are other vaccine options available (such as intradermal, intranasal) that will not be delivered through Public Health.

    Certain antiviral medications used to treat influenza are not regularly listed as eligible benefits under the Saskatchewan Drug Plan, but may be listed on occasion for limited periods of time. Decisions regarding coverage of antivirals are based on influenza epidemiology, risk of severe illness, degree of mismatch between vaccine and circulating strains, influenza antiviral drug resistant strain profile and clinical guidance available at that time. Saskatchewan pharmacies are notified of any listing decisions.

    For information on flu clinics, residents can contact their local public health office, physician or regional health authority or call HealthLine at 8-1-1. Updated information on clinics is also available through the websites of regional health authorities. For local health services, see the Green Pages in your phone book.

    In addition to getting the vaccine, people can protect themselves against seasonal influenza by adopting infection prevention methods such as: frequent handwashing and cough and sneeze etiquette, cleaning surfaces often and staying at home when sick.

    Position statement recommending voluntary immunization or masking


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    </TD><TD></TD><TD width="100%" align=left>Influenza Immunization in Saskatchewan
    Information about influenza immunizations in Saskatchewan, the publicly-funded vaccine, benefits, risks, and how to find out more.



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    </TD><TD></TD><TD width="100%" align=left>Influenza Self Care
    Influenza is an infectious respiratory disease caused by an influenza virus.



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    </TD><TD></TD><TD width="100%" align=left>Influenza Information for Schools and Parents
    General information about influenza, to help teachers and families better understand the flu.



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    </TD><TD></TD><TD width="100%" align=left>Common Myths


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