‘I can’t say we’re on our way down yet’: Flu-related deaths continue to climb in Alberta

Influenza has claimed 38 lives in Alberta so far this year, including 11 people that died in just the last week.

Of the new cases, two were children – marking Calgary’s first pediatric flu deaths this year. Edmonton already had two children with the flu die earlier in the season.

“Very small children, especially those under six months, are most at risk for serious illness with the flu – as are kids with pre-existing conditions related to the heart or their lungs,” Dr. Richard Musto with Alberta Health Services said.

View image in full screen

Of the 38 deaths, AHS said only one of the victims had been fully immunized while another had received just one of two required doses.

The number of people hospitalized because of the flu has also jumped from 905 to 1040 in the past week.

“I can’t say we’re on our way down yet.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I can't say we're on our way down yet."

The total number of confirmed flu cases has reached 3851, up by more than 450 cases in the last week. There were 175 new cases in Calgary and 91 new cases in Edmonton.

AHS advised anyone with concerns to contact Health Link.