Alberta's Seasonal Infection Surge

Alberta is experiencing a significant rise in seasonal respiratory infections, with lab-confirmed cases of influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) skyrocketing this month. Despite COVID-19 infections showing a declining trend, the figures for flu and RSV are alarming and warrant attention from the public.

Current Case Statistics

According to the latest data from the Respiratory Virus Dashboard as of December 14, flu cases in Alberta have surged by 44%, jumping from 806 to 1,163 this season. Similarly, RSV cases have seen a hefty increase of 39%, moving from 981 to 1,365. Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases have modestly increased by 5.6%, from 7,609 to 8,038, but they still outnumber flu and RSV cases.

Central Alberta's Situation

In Central Alberta, the situation is particularly striking, with RSV cases skyrocketing by 84%, increasing from 25 to 46. Flu cases also rose by 53%, from 32 to 49, while COVID-19 infections increased by 5%, from 1,233 to 1,295.

Hospitalization Rates

Hospitalizations due to RSV in Alberta have climbed from 424 to 567, with ICU admissions rising from 45 to 56, although the total number of deaths from RSV remains at one. Central Alberta has reported a rise in RSV hospitalizations from five to 11, marking its first ICU admission for RSV this season, with no fatalities reported thus far.

Flu-related Hospitalizations

Flu-related hospitalizations in the province have also surged, climbing from 197 to 273, while ICU admissions increased from 14 to 23, with flu-related deaths rising from seven to eight. Central Alberta has recorded an increase in flu hospitalizations from eight to 13, and for the first time, there has been an ICU admission due to flu, but fortunately, no deaths have occurred yet.

COVID-19 Updates

On the COVID-19 front, hospitalizations in Alberta rose from 2,057 to 2,171. ICU admissions increased from 117 to 128, and COVID-related deaths increased from 235 to 247. In Central Alberta, hospitalizations rose from 311 to 327, with ICU admissions increasing from 10 to 11, while the death toll remains unchanged at 35.

Vaccination Rates

Vaccination rates indicate that only 12.4% of Albertans and 10.1% of Central Albertans have received immunization against COVID-19 this season. In total, 17% of Albertans were vaccinated during the 2023-24 COVID season. For influenza, only 18.9% of Albertans have been vaccinated, with Central Alberta reporting a slightly lower rate of 15.3%. Last season, the vaccination rate against the flu was notably higher, at 25%.

Public Health Advisory

As the holiday season approaches, health officials are urging the public to stay vigilant by practicing proper hygiene, avoiding crowds when possible, and ensuring vaccinations are up to date. This rise in seasonal infections could lead to more hospitalizations, and everyone must do their part to help curb the spread. Are you and your loved ones prepared to weather this seasonal storm? Don't get caught off guard!