Twenty-one of Alberta’s 89 flu-related deaths were in Central Alberta so far this season, according to the latest statistics from Alberta Health Services.
Calgary has seen 30 deaths and Edmonton saw 21.
“Overall it’s been a significant influenza season. We’ve had lots of facility outbreaks,” said Dr. Digby Horne, medical officer of health with Alberta Health Services Central Zone, on Friday.
In comparison there were 11 deaths reported in Alberta Health Services (AHS) Central Zone last season, and five deaths in the 2015-16 flu season.
“We’ve had just a handful of B cases last week and one A case. We don’t currently have any outbreaks in any facilities that we know of so we hope the end of the season is upon us.”
A total of 363 Central Albertans have been admitted to hospital with influenza this season and across Alberta 2,949 were admitted.
He said most people who get the flu are not hospitalized so those hospitalizations are just a tip of the iceberg.
Lab-confirmed flu cases have reached 1,375 in Central Alberta, with 8,907 in the province.
Horne said every flu season is different.
“We could have another severe season next year. It’s hard to say. But usually we do get some breaks between severe seasons.”
The vaccine will only be available until April 30 when outbreaks are generally over in the province and the number of recorded cases starts to wind down, he said.
Influenza is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by a virus that is spread through the air. It is also spread by touching objects that have been coughed or sneezed on by someone with the flu.
A higher risk of complications from the flu is possible for children six to 59 months of age, pregnant women, people 65 years or older, and people with chronic health problem.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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