EDMONTON – In the midst of a flu outbreak at an Edmonton hospital, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is reminding people to get their flu shot this holiday season.
Since Dec. 14, there have been 60 lab-confirmed cases of influenza in the Edmonton area.
“We’ve seen a large increase in the number of influenza cases in and around the Edmonton area,” said Dr. Chris Sikora, Medical Officer of Health for the Edmonton zone.
“It’s really started to emerge over the past couple of days, over the past week or so.”
“There are a number of types of influenza,” Sikora added. “The influenza that is causing the majority of illness in the Edmonton zone and across Alberta is an H1N1 variant. It’s the same H1N1 that’s been circulating since 2009.”
READ MORE: H1N1 virus returns and Alberta Health urges Albertans to get their flu vaccine.
Sikora also confirmed AHS is working to contain a flu outbreak at the Misericordia hospital.
There are three lab-confirmed cases at the hospital – two patients and one staff member – but there are a handful of other suspected cases. The outbreak began around Dec. 10.
“There have been a number of cases identified at the Misericordia hospital,” said Sikora. “We’re presently working with the facility to ensure that the staff – the workers at the site – are protected, and of course, ensuring that our patients at the site are protected as well.”
AHS says the percentage of workers who have been vaccinated is not as high as it would like.
Forty-two per cent of staff at the Misericordia have been immunized.
“I wish the immunization rate were higher,”said Sikora. “I wish people would be more proactive. I think all of us go out of our way to implore our workforce to be immunized because it is good for yourself, your patients and your family, but it’s a challenge every year.”
“I’d love to see an immunization rate as high as 80 to 90 per cent,” he added.
Sikora said other regions are exploring ways to increase immunization rates among staff.
“Various provinces have started to look at legislation around mandatory influenza immunization. At this point, it hasn’t been explored in the Alberta context. Given the low rates in these areas, it might be something that should be looked at in the future.”
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During an outbreak situation, health care facilities follow procedures that can include:
– staff immunization
– limiting/restricting patient movement, although this may not be possible in many environments
– provision of post exposure medication (Tamiflu) to staff (If an outbreak is declared, this may be a requirement of returning to work on an outbreak ward)
– provision of alcohol-based hand rub and masks for staff, enhanced cleaning (i.e., the environmental factors)
– monitoring of staff and patients for symptoms
– provision of post exposure (or treatment) medication to patients
AHS says, right now, staffing at the Misericordia is not an issue.
However, it is urging anyone who hasn’t been immunized to get their shot. They are available free of charge for all Albertans over six months.
“It is the start of the season,” said Sikora. “We expect things to gradually get more and more intense.”
“Get out, get immunized, and if you’re sick, stay home, and that includes the family gatherings.”
AHS says certain groups are at higher risk of getting sick, including pregnant women, young children, seniors, and health care workers.
Vaccines will be available at pharmacies and family physician offices over the holidays. However, AHS’ mass immunization clinics in Edmonton will close at 4:30 p.m. on Friday and will reopen on Jan. 6.
For complete details on clinic locations and hours, call Health Link Alberta toll free at 1-866-408-5465 or visit Alberta Health Services online.
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