Alberta flu season: ‘Perfect storm’ could lead to spike in illnesses

Cold and flu season has arrived in Alberta.

And after an intense influenza season in Australia, it’s a warning Canada could see a bad wave of illnesses.

“Lots of cases, lots of hospitalizations, and a lot of complicated cases,” said Dr. Craig Jenne, an immunologist and professor at the University of Calgary. “So unfortunately, we are expecting a bit of a rough ride this flu season here in Canada.”

Jenne explains the season could be especially bad in Alberta with declining vaccination rates in the province.

For those who do get the jab, there’s also the potential for less protection from a new mutated H3N2 strain.

“That could create the perfect storm to see significant increases in the number of people presenting in Alberta hospitals this year,” Jenne said.

Flu shots are offered for free in Alberta, and many allow walk-in appointments.

CityNews spoke to Edmontonians in the Wîhkwêntôwin neighbourhood to find out if they were planning to get the jab.

“I got mine as soon as they are available,” said Daniel Gregoire. “I do it every year. I got some pretty nasty flus in high school and I don’t want to go through it again.”

“I have never gotten the flu shot,” said Wendy Nichols. “I don’t ever get the flu. … I think it’s in the genes because my kids are the same way. They don’t ever get the flu.”

Alberta’s already record one influenza death this year.

Alberta Health data from Oct. 26 to Nov. 1 show 25 people were in hospital, including three in the ICU.

Public Health Canada figures are also showing a spike in cases since early October.

Some Edmontonians told CityNews they were getting the flu shot after having serious illnesses in past seasons.

“The wife and I got COVID and we were so sick, so sick, you would never believe it,” Jerry Runcer said. “So I’m going to avoid anything I can if it’s out there. Because if I got the flu shot, and I ever got that sick again, I’d really kick myself in the butt.”

“You only need one bad experience with the flu to never skip out on getting the flu shot again,” added Atienne Dale, who was hospitalized for the flu two years ago.

“It was horrible. It was almost-life threatening. So you never want to go through that experience again.”

Even if this year’s flu shot is less effective against H3N2, health experts say it still offers good protection from the other flu strains and will lower the risk to those who catch it – and to the broader community.

“There are additional viruses, and the more people that are vaccinated, the more likely it is we can get through this flu season without as much strain on the healthcare system, without severe illness in Albertans, and hopefully, with the reduction in the loss of life in the province,” said Jenne.