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Health officials are reminding Saskatchewan residents that there are many steps they can take to avoid contracting the flu this season.

The flu season started late in our province this year and is expected to rise into the new year. Even though this year's flu clinics are over, influenza vaccinations are still available through public health.

"It started about two weeks later than what happened last year. But from year to year there's variation and we can't always predict when it's going to start. We monitor it right after the vaccination clinics open in October, and we wait for it to happen. When it happens it escalates quite quickly," said Dr. Denise Werker, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the Government of Saskatchewan.

Across Canada, H1N1 is the most predominant strain causing illness this season and it is included in this years vaccination.

"(H1N1) The strain is one of the viruses that are circulating this season, and it's actually the strain that is predominating. In any one season we might have one or more strains that circulate. Last year it was H1N2 and this year it's H1N1," said Dr. Werker.

The flu vaccination is recommended for everyone, especially people at high risk for influenza-related complications including:

-People with chronic health conditions
-People 65 and older
-Residents of long-term care facilities
-People with severe obesity
-Children under five
-Pregnant women.

"Vaccination is just one piece in an overall jigsaw puzzle for prevention of influenza," said Dr. Werker.  Other prevention tools include washing your hands properly and often(or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers), as well as cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than your hand.  If you come down with a cough, cold, or flu, it's important to wear a mask, especially around people who are vulnerable to flu complications.

To protect those at risk of becoming seriously ill with the flu, immunization is strongly recommended for people working in health care and child care, or anyone who works closely with vulnerable individuals.

For more information on influenza, symptoms and self care you can visit www.health.gov.sk.ca or call HealthLine 811.