Twenty of Alberta’s 84 flu-related deaths were in Central Alberta this season, according to the latest statistics from Alberta Health Services.
Last season, 11 deaths were reported in Alberta Health Services (AHS) Central Zone.
A total of 349 Central Albertans have been admitted to hospital with influenza and across Alberta there have been 2,721.
Lab-confirmed flu cases have reached 1,309 in Central Alberta and 8,354 in the province.
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 problems.