Alberta’s top doctor is sharing what she called “encouraging news,” with early indicators suggesting the flu season has reached its peak.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vivien Suttorp said health officials across the province have been monitoring influenza A, known as H3N2, influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19. She said positive test rates and the number of people admitted to hospital with influenza A are beginning to decline.
Suttorp said positive tests for the week of Dec. 28 to Jan. 3 fell from 36 per cent to 29 per cent, and flu cases dropped from 2,539 to 1,988. Alberta’s respiratory virus data dashboard shows 1,988 influenza cases and a 29.4 per cent positivity rate for that week. There were 653 people with influenza in hospital as of Jan. 3, with 51 in intensive care. SARS-CoV-2 and RSV hospital numbers were lower in that period.
As of Jan. 13, Suttorp said there were 706 patients in hospital with respiratory viruses, including 513 for influenza, 118 with COVID-19 and 85 for RSV.
“Hospital admissions may increase slightly as reporting is finalised, but they are not expected to exceed the level seen during the week of Dec. 21,” Suttorp said. “Acute Care Alberta works with acute care providers to monitor daily hospitalisations. Based on their monitoring, we know that hospitalisations for respiratory viruses peaked on Dec. 31 at 995 patients, 700 for influenza, 195 for COVID-19 and 100 with RSV.”
RELATED STORY: Alberta emergency departments strained responding to respiratory virus season
While Suttorp called the trend welcome news, she said it does not mean the flu season is over or that the community should let its guard down as influenza B cases are increasing.
“Influenza B often emerges later in the season and, while these waves tend to be smaller and associated with milder outcomes in immunised Albertans, they can still cause significant illness, especially in those who are not protected. We are watching those trends closely.”
She added that RSV is slightly more active than in previous years, with case numbers peaking in December and, based on historical trends, could continue into late January, while COVID-19 numbers remain low.
“Respiratory virus seasons are always a challenge, but this year is unpredictable and this year is no exception.”
“Our health system, like others across the country, has been under tremendous strain. Hospitals and emergency departments remain busy with patients who are ill with respiratory viruses, along with the usual concerns we see in winter months. Surge protocols are in place and activated when needed, and health-care teams across the province continue to respond with dedication and expertise.”
To help reduce the spread of illness, Suttorp encourages people to stay home when they are unwell, wash their hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, and clean high-touch surfaces.
“If you’re feeling unwell and unsure whether you need urgent care, please call Health Link at 811 before visiting an emergency department. Many respiratory illnesses can be safely managed at home or with support from primary care.”
She added that getting up-to-date immunisations is also encouraged, with the flu vaccine free for all Albertans six months of age and older. COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are also available at no cost to eligible individuals.
“We continue to see that people who are immunised experience fewer complications, and that the vaccine provides meaningful protection for both influenza A strains and influenza B,” Suttorp said.
Alberta’s top doctor said the province will keep Albertans up to date as the flu season continues.
