Seeing fewer students in school this winter was no coincidence. Dr. Michael Routledge, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Southern Health-Santé Sud, explains the predominant influenza strain this year (H1N1) tends to hit young people and children.

Routledge says they don't see the health care system impacted as much when the region experiences a virus that's more focused in younger populations. "They're healthier and don't tend to end up in the hospital as often, but you still see people feeling very sick, and sometimes people that aren't used to being sick."

However, Routledge explains the H3N2 strain that hit last year tends to impact older adults and creates more hospitalizations and outbreaks in personal care homes.

While there have been are a number of viruses circulating the community, he says the number of cases has been similar to previous years. "You always feel it in our communities every winter, but by and large I'd say this compares to a typical season."

He notes the flu shot was a close match this year, adding approximately 20 percent of Manitoba residents were immunized with the seasonal influenza vaccine.