Influenza driving hospitalizations among adults under 65 in Saskatchewan
By Ian MacKay
Influenza — particularly among adults under 65 — has been the leading driver of recent respiratory-related hospitalizations in Saskatchewan, according to the province’s latest respiratory illness report.
No deaths from influenza, COVID-19 or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were reported during the two most recent weeks covered in the provincial Health Department update, released Friday.
“COVID-19 activity has decreased, RSV activity has remained stable and influenza activity has increased,” the report said. “Influenza-associated hospitalizations increased during the current reporting period. The majority of influenza cases and hospitalizations continue to occur among individuals aged 20 to 64 years.”
During Feb. 15-21, 75 people tested positive for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, down from 102 the previous week. One of those cases was in the province’s west-central zone.
Another 75 people tested positive for influenza, up from 60 the previous week.
RSV cases dipped slightly to 143 positive tests from 154 the week before. One of the recent RSV cases was also reported in the west-central zone.
Hospital admissions for COVID-19 declined slightly. Fourteen people were admitted during the latest reporting week, down three from the previous week, and one required intensive care, down one.
Eight people were hospitalized with influenza, down two, and two required intensive care, down one.
Hospitalizations linked to RSV rose. Forty-three people were admitted, up 11, and three required intensive care, up one.
Of the 73 COVID-19 cases recorded during Feb. 15-21, 32 were adults aged 20 to 64, 22 were 65 or older, 15 were under five, and four were between five and 19.
Among the 55 influenza cases detailed by age, 23 were between 20 and 64, 12 were five to 19, 11 were under five, and nine were 65 or older.
The 133 RSV cases included 48 children under five, 39 adults 65 or older, 30 adults aged 20 to 64, and 16 between five and 19.