Alberta’s top medical officer mentioned that the province is likely past the peak of a harsh flu season, although the situation is not completely resolved yet. In December, Alberta faced an early and notably severe wave of influenza, primarily driven by H3N2, a strain of influenza A. Dr. Vivien Suttorp, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, emphasized that this strain tends to affect elderly individuals, young children, and those with chronic conditions more severely.
During a recent press conference in Calgary, Suttorp stated that the indicators suggest a decline in influenza A activity. Test positivity rates are decreasing, case numbers are dropping, and the hospital admissions for influenza A cases are starting to reduce. She highlighted that hospitalizations for respiratory viruses peaked on December 31, with nearly 1,000 Albertans hospitalized, including cases of influenza, COVID-19, and RSV.
As of the latest update, the number of hospitalized individuals has decreased to 706, with the majority being influenza cases. Suttorp cautioned that while there might be a slight increase in hospital admissions as more data is finalized, it is not anticipated to surpass the figures reported at the end of December. She stressed the importance of remaining vigilant, as complications from influenza such as heart attacks and strokes could still occur.
Suttorp also mentioned the emergence of Influenza B, which is starting to become more prevalent. Additionally, RSV activity is on the rise in Alberta, and she predicted a continuous increase until the end of January. The healthcare system in Alberta has been under immense pressure due to the influx of patients with respiratory illnesses, exacerbating the typical winter healthcare challenges.
Physicians have been raising concerns about overcrowding in emergency rooms and have urged the province to take urgent action. While the peak of the flu outbreak may have passed, the healthcare system is still considered to be in a critical state. The Opposition NDP has been advocating for additional measures to address the ongoing crisis.
Health Minister Matt Jones announced that an update on hospital capacity would be provided by officials later in the week. Suttorp highlighted that a significant percentage of hospitalized flu cases were among unvaccinated individuals, emphasizing the importance of vaccination, hand hygiene, and staying home when unwell. Despite concerns about vaccine effectiveness against the circulating strains, Suttorp reassured that vaccination remains crucial in reducing severe outcomes and hospitalizations. Currently, only 19% of Albertans have received the flu vaccine this season.
