Alberta Reports Sharp Rise in Flu Cases, 5 Deaths and 26 ICU Admissions

Alberta is seeing a significant rise in influenza cases well before the official flu season begins. As of October 11, the province had recorded 366 laboratory-confirmed flu cases, compared with just 42 during the same period last year.

Hospitalizations have also increased, with nearly 300 Albertans hospitalized due to influenza since August. Among them, 26 patients, including two young children, have required intensive care.

Five people have died from influenza since August, including four in the Calgary zone.

Flu vaccines became available to the general public on October 19. So far, approximately 78,000 Albertans have received their flu shots, about 50,000 fewer than at the same point last year.