In a striking update that blends both encouraging and concerning news, the Saskatchewan health ministry has released its latest report from the Community Respiratory Illness Surveillance Program (CRISP) on January 16, 2026. The report reveals a significant drop in influenza cases, yet it also brings to light the sobering reality of recent fatalities due to the virus.
The positive aspect of this update is that over a two-week span, the positivity rate for influenza tests in Saskatchewan has seen an impressive decline of nearly 50%. This decrease has brought the rate down from just over 30% to approximately 17%, indicating a positive trend in public health. Additionally, the report notes a reduction in hospitalizations related to flu during the timeframe from December 28, 2025, to January 10, 2026.
However, amidst this good news lies a tragic note: three individuals succumbed to influenza during the same period, all of whom were adults aged 60 and older. From December 14, 2025, the province has recorded a total of five flu-related deaths, alongside two fatalities associated with COVID-19. Unfortunately, the report does not provide a comprehensive count of all flu-related deaths to date.
Since August 24, 2025, Saskatchewan has documented 5,655 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza, with a staggering 99% of these being influenza A. Of those, nearly 80% are attributed to the H3N2 strain, which has proven to be the predominant variant this season.
In addition to the flu data, the report highlights a slight uptick in COVID-19 positivity rates, rising from 5% to 6.1%. This increase corresponds with a rise in hospitalizations from 28 to 36, and ICU admissions have grown from one to five patients. These figures echo national statistics reported by the Public Health Agency of Canada, which also shows a decline in flu cases since late December, including an 18% reduction in the first week of January alone.
Local outbreaks in Saskatchewan have primarily affected residents aged 65 and older, emphasizing the vulnerability of this demographic to respiratory illnesses. Overall, influenza A remains dominant this season, accounting for 97.5% of cases, while influenza B constitutes about 2.5%.
In response to these developments, healthcare officials began recommending flu vaccinations in late November 2025, declaring a flu epidemic at that time. Despite these efforts, only 21% of Saskatchewan residents have received their flu shots, with COVID-19 vaccinations sitting at a lower rate of 14%.
Looking ahead, the next CRISP report is anticipated on January 30, providing further insights into the ongoing situation. Currently, anyone aged six months and older is eligible for a free flu shot at various participating pharmacies, clinics, and some physician offices. However, children between six months and five years can only be vaccinated at specific Saskatchewan Health Authority sites or through healthcare providers.
For those interested in receiving their influenza vaccine or seeking more information on clinic times and locations, they can visit www.4flu.ca or call 1-833-727-5829 to schedule individual or group appointments.
