The Edmonton Journal is reporting that seven of the deaths were in the Edmonton region while the remaining deaths occurred in the Calgary area. While the death toll is up from seven just a week ago, it is still far behind the numbers from the 2014-2015 flu season.
By this time last year, Alberta had recorded 73 flu-related deaths in what has been described as the deadliest flu season on record. Alberta recorded 4,108 flu cases by mid-February in 2015, compared to 1,392 cases so far this year, with 400 of those cases being reported in the past week, according to 660 News.
According to Health Canada, the majority of flu cases this year are due to Type A influenza. Influenza A(H1N1) is the most common influenza subtype circulating in Canada.
1.09 million doses of the flu vaccine have been administered in Alberta so far this season. Generally, the flu season starts in October and can last until May, with January and February being the worst months for getting the flu bug. While it is preferable to get the flu vaccine when it becomes available in October, it is never too late to get a flu shot.
On Friday, Alberta Health Services reported that a flu outbreak had hit two units at the Edmonton Remand Center. Nine inmates are experiencing flu-like symptoms with six of the cases confirmed to be the H1N2 strain.
