Flu is now blamed for six deaths in Alberta this flu season, according to the latest data from the province.
A child between the ages of one and four is among those who died.
Alberta Health released its latest flu numbers on Thursday. So far this flu season, there have been 2,082 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza, with nearly all attributed to influenza A.
Of these flu cases, 355 required hospitalization and 34 of those required treatment in intensive care units.
READ MORE: Flu vaccine demand in Alberta down compared to previous seasons
As of Thursday afternoon, Alberta Health said 781,868 doses of flu vaccine had been administered in the province, which equates to about 17.6 per cent of Albertans being vaccinated.
Alberta’s new chief medical officer of health issued a statement Wednesday regarding the increasing number of flu, RSV and COVID-19 cases in the province.
READ MORE: 1st statement from Alberta’s new chief medical officer of health on RSV, flu season
Dr. Mark Joffe urged Albertans to get their flu shot and also take other steps to reduce the spread of disease.
“While most children, youth and adults recover from the flu without complications, some may become very ill and need to be treated in hospital,” read part of his statement.
“Transmission levels will vary over time and between communities. We encourage Albertans to assess their risk at any time and take appropriate precautions.”
Last week, Canada’s chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam said the increase in flu, COVID-19 and RSV cases across the country is creating challenges for the health care system in various parts of the country and suggested that there is a need for “heightened precautions.”
She stopped short of calling for mask mandates, but recommended that people wear them indoors.
READ MORE: Danielle Smith reiterates no mask mandate — says access to medicine, ER’s priority for dealing with flu, RSV
“I know we’re all tired and we know all too well the long list of good habits that can help keep us and others healthier,” Tam said on Nov. 10.
– With files from The Canadian Press and Emily Mertz, Global News
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
