The Chief Provincial Public Health Officer for Manitoba says we are currently on the downward trend of wave one of influenza in our province. Dr. Brent Roussin made that comment Thursday morning, while providing an update on both the influenza and measles situations currently facing our province. Increased number of cases of influenza this year According to Manitoba Health, through January 31st, there were 3,309 cases of influenza in our province during this flu season. Nearly all of those were Influenza-A cases. "This season has brought particularly high levels of respiratory illness activity with admissions to emergency departments and urgent care," reports Dr. Roussin. "Even more than what we've seen at similar times during even the pandemic." Dr. Roussin says each year respiratory virus season brings increased pressure on our health care system. He notes influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory viruses circulate more widely, resulting in increased visits to emergency rooms and urgent care, placing more pressure on hospitals and intensive care units. According to Dr. Roussin, vaccine remains one of the most effective tools to prevent severe illness, reduce hospitalizations, and ICU demand. He notes that staying up to date with influenza and COVID-19 vaccines lowers your risk of serious complications and helps protect those around you. It is not too late to get vaccinated "This is significantly more important for those at increased risk, so young children, older adults, those with underlying medical conditions," he explains. "And so, if you haven't been vaccinated this season, it's still not too late." Dr. Roussin says the second wave of influenza typically comes in early spring. For that reason, he says if you have not been vaccinated yet, you can still take that step in order to protect yourself and others. In addition, he encourages people to stay home if they are ill, to frequently wash their hands, and to cover their cough or sneeze. In terms of measles, Dr. Roussin says Manitoba continues to see high levels of transmission, something he says has been going on for over a year. Dr. Roussin says though highly contagious, measles is well understood and very preventable. Manitoba expands measles vaccine eligibility Dr. Roussin encourages Manitobans to make sure their families are up to date with the measles vaccine, especially before attending large events. Due to the large exposure at Ag Days in Brandon, he notes they are seeing increased transmission of measles within the Prairie Mountain Health region. As a result, Dr. Roussin says they are expanding vaccine eligibility within that region to now include children from six months to 12 months of age. He notes this falls in line with eligibility requirements within Southern Health-Sante Sud. "So, anyone who lives in those regions, or frequently travels to, or frequently is in contact with people from those regions, would be eligible for that vaccine expansion," he says. "And we certainly suggest you discuss that with your health care provider to ensure those that are at increased risk of complications of measles are protected." Dr. Roussin says health care providers were advised on Wednesday to ensure that the measles vaccination is up to date for children, particularly in the Rural Municipalities of Stanley, Rhineland, Thompson, Dufferin, and Roland. He notes there have been consistently high levels of transmission of measles in communities within these municipalities. Dr. Roussin encourages anyone who believes they have been exposed to measles to check their immunization records to ensure they are up to date with the vaccine. He says individuals who develop symptoms should stay home, avoid public spaces, and call ahead before seeking medical care in order to ensure that appropriate precautions are taken at the health facility. According to Dr. Roussin, majority of measles cases are happening within Southern-Health. He adds there have been more than 30 cases linked to Ag Days, and says on February 9, they confirmed 12 positive cases, the highest number at any point during this outbreak.