The latest numbers from the provincial government show the number of lab-confirmed cases of influenza was down in the week ending February 8th. There were a total of 168 new cases of the flu, bringing the total for the year to 1752.

“We haven’t had any further ICU admissions or deaths from last time,” said the province’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab. There have been 25 ICU admissions across the province this flu season, and the virus is also being cited as the cause of 11 deaths. Dr. Shahab did say there were two further outbreaks in long term care facilities, bringing the total to 49.

When asked about the effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccine, Dr. Shahab said they are still waiting for the estimates. The early estimates won’t be available until early March, while the final estimates are expected to be available in May or June.

“Really, that doesn’t help us to decide whether we should get the flu shot or not,” Dr. Shahab said. “We should get that every year when it’s available.”

Dr. Shahab added that for those who are interested, the flu shot is still available.