Alberta has reported its first influenza-related death for this flu season, following a particularly severe flu season last year. The provincial respiratory virus dashboard confirms that a person in their 60s from the central zone succumbed to the flu. In the previous flu season (2024-2025), 237 individuals in Alberta died from influenza, and over 3,700 were hospitalized.
Dr. James Talbot, Alberta’s former chief medical officer of health, noted that the timing of the first flu death aligns with typical patterns seen in previous years. Over 100 individuals in Alberta have been hospitalized with the flu this season, with eight patients requiring intensive care.
Concerns are rising about a potentially challenging flu season due to an evolving strain of H3N2 that may not match the composition of this year’s flu vaccine. Dr. Joan Robinson emphasized that although the vaccine may not perfectly align with circulating strains, it is still recommended to reduce the likelihood of contracting severe flu symptoms.
Approximately half a million Albertans have received the flu shot this season, representing over 10% of the province’s population. The current influenza positivity rate in Alberta is higher than the national average, indicating a greater number of individuals being tested for flu-like symptoms.
Despite the focus on the flu, COVID-19 remains a significant concern, with 36 deaths reported in Alberta so far this season. The province is charging most individuals for the COVID-19 vaccine, except for specific groups, with the shot priced at $100 for those not eligible for free vaccination. Dr. Talbot stressed the importance of getting vaccinated against both the flu and COVID-19 for protection against severe illness and potential hospitalization.
