Alberta’s flu death toll highest in at least 16 years as vaccination rates drop

Alberta is currently facing its deadliest flu season in recent memory, with 193 Albertans already succumbing to the illness. This surpasses last year’s total of 175 deaths, marking the highest death toll since at least 2009. The death rates, based on population, are also the highest in at least 16 years.

Craig Jenne, a professor at the University of Calgary, expressed his concerns about this alarming trend, stating that this may be becoming the new normal. While weekly case counts are decreasing, the impact of influenza is still significant. Currently, there are 172 individuals hospitalized due to the flu, with nine patients in intensive care.

Dr. Shelley Duggan, president of the Alberta Medical Association, emphasized the unusual nature of the situation, noting that hospitals are still admitting patients to the intensive care unit and experiencing outbreaks on hospital wards. This level of strain on healthcare facilities is typically not seen at this point in the flu season.

The province of Alberta has identified several factors contributing to the severity of this flu season, including the co-circulation of both H1N1 and H3N2 influenza A strains. The H3N2 strain is known to cause more severe illness in older adults. Alberta Health Services and Public Health teams are actively managing respiratory outbreaks in high-risk settings to limit the spread of the virus.

One major concern raised by experts is the declining flu vaccination rates in Alberta. Only 21% of Albertans have received a flu shot this season, the lowest uptake since 2009-10. Jenne pointed out that higher vaccination rates have previously correlated with reduced fatalities, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in preventing severe outcomes.

Both Jenne and Duggan are calling for a more aggressive and conscious flu vaccination campaign in the future. They believe that increased public health messaging and outreach efforts are crucial to improving vaccination rates and reducing the impact of influenza in the province.

It is important for Albertans to recognize that influenza can be deadly at any age, with even young individuals at risk of severe complications. Duggan stressed the seriousness of the illness and the need for everyone to take preventive measures to protect themselves and others.

As Alberta continues to grapple with the devastating effects of this flu season, it is essential for the government, healthcare providers, and the public to work together to combat the spread of the virus and prevent further loss of life.