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Rising number of flu cases affecting hospitals, Manitoba government says

WINNIPEG — Manitoba health officials say the number of flu cases is rising and putting a strain on hospitals. Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara says the health system was already facing challenges and the growth in flu cases is making things worse.
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Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba chief public health officer, speaks at the Manitoba legislature in Winnipeg Wednesday, Dec.16, 2020. Manitoba health officials say the number of flu cases is rising and putting a strain on hospitals. Roussin is urging people to get their COVID-19 and flu vaccines. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

WINNIPEG — Manitoba health officials say the number of flu cases is rising and putting a strain on hospitals.

Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara says the health system was already facing challenges and the growth in flu cases is making things worse.

Asagwara says some elective surgeries have been cancelled.

Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba's chief public health officer, is urging people to get their COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

He says about 16 per cent of people have had a COVID-19 shot this year and 22 per cent have received a flu vaccine.

He expects case numbers to rise as the holiday season approaches and people gather more indoors.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 14, 2023.

The Canadian Press