Alberta health official to update public as flu season strains hospitals

Alberta’s chief medical officer of health is expected to provide an update today on the province’s respiratory virus season, as hospitals across Alberta continue to face significant pressure.

Health care leaders say elevated influenza activity has been a major factor behind ongoing capacity challenges, particularly since mid-December. Physicians have repeatedly warned that high patient volumes are limiting the system’s ability to respond to routine and urgent care needs.

The provincial ministry responsible for hospitals has linked the surge in admissions to a sharp increase in flu cases over the past several weeks. Officials say emergency departments and inpatient units remain under strain, especially in larger urban centres.

As of January 3, Alberta Health reported 653 patients hospitalized with influenza, including 51 people receiving treatment in intensive care units. Public health officials are expected to address current trends and outline preventive measures as respiratory illness activity typically peaks during winter months.