(Woman in bed with the flu image via Shutterstock)
WINNIPEG — Nine deaths in the province have been linked to lab-confirmed influenza and another 480 reported cases are present.
Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer advised Friday, that like other jurisdictions, the province is experiencing an increase in cases of seasonal influenza.
The demand to treat infected patients is also increasing, putting a strain on regional health authorities to manage resources.
The province says it’s too early to tell how this flu season will compare to others, but Manitoba expects to have a normal to above average number of flu cases this year.
Only lab-confirmed cases of the virus are being reported, but don’t tell the actual number of people who are sick. Many Manitobans who become ill with the flu manage their symptoms and recover at home without lab tests to confirm the infection.
How to protect yourself from the flu:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette by coughing or sneezing into an elbow, sleeve or tissue
- Contact your health-care provider or community public health clinic to get a flu shot
- Stay home if sick
