Alberta has confirmed the first flu-related death of the current flu season, following a particularly severe flu season last year. According to the province’s respiratory virus dashboard, a person in their 60s from the central zone succumbed to influenza. In the previous 2024-2025 flu season, Alberta recorded 237 flu-related deaths and over 3,700 hospitalizations.
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 have been hospitalized with the flu in Alberta this season, with eight patients requiring intensive care.
Concerns have been raised about a challenging flu season due to an evolving strain of H3N2 that may not match this year’s flu vaccine. Dr. Joan Robinson, a pediatric infectious diseases physician, emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated despite potential mismatches in strains. She advised that even though the vaccine may not offer perfect protection, it can still reduce the likelihood of contracting severe flu.
Approximately half a million Albertans have received the flu shot this season, representing over 10% of the population. This uptake is halfway to last year’s total, which was the lowest since the 2009-2010 season. Alberta’s current influenza positivity rate is higher than the national average, indicating a higher testing rate for flu-like symptoms in the province.
While flu cases are a concern, COVID-19 remains a more significant threat due to the risks of hospitalization and death. Alberta has reported 36 COVID-19 deaths so far this season. The province is charging most residents $100 for the COVID-19 vaccine, exempting specific groups like health-care workers and individuals with underlying medical conditions.
Dr. Talbot emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated against both the flu and COVID-19 as a preventive measure. He highlighted the value of the vaccines in providing protection against the viruses and recommended early immunization to build immunity before potential exposure.
