Egland scores Teddy Bear Toss goal but Pats lose in OT
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Over 3,000 stuffed animals were tossed onto the ice.
It’s that sneezing, coughing, feel-lousy time of year — flu season has arrived and health officials in the Saskatoon health region are warning it’s going to ramp up over the holidays.
“It’s picked up significantly,” said deputy medical health officer Johnmark Opondo on Monday.
Opondo said this time of year can be bad for spreading influenza with families getting together for Christmas and the holiday season.
“We’re celebrating together, shaking hands, hugging. All those being in close quarters can be very conducive for an infectious disease.”
The health region has reported 87 cases of influenza in the region since the start of the flu season. Of those, nine people have been sent to hospital.
Last year, one in five people with lab-confirmed influenza was hospitalized.
Opondo added, immunization and diligent had washing are the best ways to lower your risk of catching influenza.
The health region’s mass immunization clinics are over, but people can still get their flu vaccine through their doctor or a pharmacy.
-With files from Erin McNutt