So far this season, three Albertans have died due to lab-confirmed cases of influenza, as health officials warn this could be a miserable flu season across the country.
The number of reported cases of the flu in Alberta so far this year is up over the same time last year.
Between Aug. 28, 2017 and Oct. 28, 2017, there were 300 lab-confirmed cases of the flu in the province, according to data released Thursday by Alberta Health Services. At the same time last year, there had be no deaths and 97 cases of the flu.
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So far this year, 90 people have been hospitalized with the flu.
The flu vaccine has been available in Alberta since Oct. 23. Since then, 424,101 doses of vaccine have been administered, according to AHS. At this time last year, 346,600 vaccines had been handed out.
Anyone age six months and older can get immunized free of charge. This year, AHS is not offering FluMist nasal spray. Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization no longer recommends it for children between two and 17 years old. The committee concluded that FluMist and injectable vaccines are equally safe and effective for children.
Earlier this year, health officials warned North America could be in for a nasty flu season. The warning came after Australia, Hong Kong and other spots in the Southern Hemisphere grappled with one of their worst flu seasons on record.
READ MORE: Here’s why Canada may be in for a miserable 2017-18 flu season
Health officials keep an eye on the flu in the Southern Hemisphere, which affects residents during their winter (or our summer). Patterns there lay the groundwork for predicting which viruses may make the rounds by the time they make their way north.