Flu season has arrived early to the province – outpacing public immunization by two weeks.
The latest data from Alberta Health Services shows 37 lab-confirmed cases of influenza across the province between Sept. 1 and Oct. 11 and 11 hospitalizations.
Typically flu season spans the winter months between November and April, but this year the bug has started circulating earlier than anticipated.
“We’re seeing some evidence of influenza circulating in the Alberta environment a little earlier than last year, but we’re still seeing small numbers,” said Dr. Chris Sikora, medical officer of health with Alberta Health Services, Edmonton Zone.
The increase is most apparent in the Calgary Zone, where 18 cases of lab-confirmed influenza have been reported. Out of the 11 hospitalizations province wide, Calgary has seen nine.
Edmonton has seen five confirmed cases of influenza; South Zone, eight; Central, two; and North Zone, two.
While the influenza virus, responsible for headaches, chills, cough, fever and sometimes death, is here, immunization is not. Flu shots won’t be available to the public until Oct. 24.
“Once those clinics do open we highly encourage people to be immunized as soon as they’re able to,” Sikora.
Influenza spreads rapidly through contact with bodily fluids such as saliva and mucus. To help prevent the spread of the virus, Sikora encourages those who are sick to stay home and cover their coughs. He also encourages Albertans to get immunized.
Flu symptoms include headache, chills and cough, which are quickly followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches, fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur, especially in children.
The virus can be deadly to those with weaker immune systems, such as children and the elderly.
Last year, AHS reported 1,600 influenza-related hospital admissions and 60 deaths.
Drop-in immunization clinics will be available at the St. Albert Inn from Oct. 24 to Nov. 5 and the St. Albert Public Health Centre from Nov. 7 to Nov. 26. See www.albertahealthservices.ca/influ/ for hours.
Flu shots are also available at local doctors’ offices and pharmacies.
Only a quarter of Albertans get immunized every year.
