The Flu season usually runs from October to April and each year the World Health Organisation prepares a Flu vaccine. This year's vaccine has been proven to be less effective but Saskatchewan Healthy Authority (SHA) has said it is better to get the vaccine than not.

"The tests showed the vaccine was 10 to 20 percent effective when you compare to H3N2 Strain, which is seen in three-quarters of cases however in the B strain it is 50-60% effective," explained Dr. Lanre Medu, Medical Health Officer, Saskatchewan Health Authority.

There have been 109 cases presented in the Weyburn area. There have also been four reported facility outbreaks where care homes are locked down to avoid the spread of sickness in vulnerable people.

Medu says the B strain becomes more common later in the season. He also noted that the flu shot can lessen the effects of flu in those who have the vaccine.

There was a study done which showed medical practitioners had the flu without realizing it because they did not feel the normal symptoms.

Medu advises the public in order to avoid spreading the flu to wash hands regularly with soap and if you need to cough, cough into your arm.

"When you have a respiratory illness that looks like a flu, it is advisable if you don't need to be in places where there is going to be close contact with persons, such as if you don't have to be at work, stay off work in such instances."

There have been reports of a gastrointestinal sickness going around Weyburn. Medu said the sickness should not be confused with flu, which is a respiratory illness.