AHS confirms over 200 cases of influenza in Alberta

(Watch: So far, seven people have died from the flu this season, four of which were in Edmonton. Kent Morrison has the latest.)

CALGARY – The province says there have been 219 confirmed cases of influenza in Alberta this season, including 69 hospitalized cases and seven deaths.

In addition, three outbreaks were reported in Alberta in November.

The numbers were released on Thursday, as Alberta Health Services urged those who haven’t yet gotten a flu shot to consider doing so.

“To those of you who have been immunized – thank you”, said AHS Senior Medical Officer of Health Dr. Gerry Predy in a news release. “To those of you who have not yet been immunized, do not delay.”

“Get immunized and get protected today.”

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As of November 15th, more than 926,500 doses of influenza vaccine had been administered to Albertans.

“Cases we had seen initially were what we considered sporadic,” explained Dr. Predy. “This has now changed.”

“The level of influenza activity in the community we’re seeing now – including reported outbreak activity – tells us that influenza season has begun.”

Free vaccinations are still available for all Albertans aged six-months and older through pharmacies and physician offices.

For more information, visit www.albertahealthservices.ca/influenza or call Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-5465.