Calgary accounts for more than half of Alberta's flu cases as hospitals brace for pressure
With 238 of Alberta's 428 cases and 64 hospitalizations, Calgary is experiencing the heaviest flu burden this season, straining health services across the province.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Calgary is bearing the brunt of Alberta's flu season, accounting for 238 of the province's 428 reported cases—more than half. The city also has 64 flu hospitalizations, 1 death, and 5 people in intensive care with the virus.
More than 95 per cent of Calgary's cases are influenza A, which typically dominates early in the season and peaks sharply. Calgary also leads Alberta in RSV and COVID-19 cases, with 181 COVID infections recorded this season and 1 death.
The figures echo a difficult precedent. Last flu season in Alberta, the province recorded 15,927 cases and 250 deaths. At one point, Rockyview General Hospital reached 108 per cent capacity and was unable to accept any more patients. Waiting rooms overflowed. All ambulances in Calgary were taken off the road, queued at hospitals waiting to transfer patients. Some chemotherapy treatments were postponed due to flu case volume.
Alberta Health Services says seasonal respiratory pressures are typical and that no procedures have been postponed this year. Ambulance availability, an AHS spokesperson said, fluctuates minute to minute based on demand.
The Alberta Medical Association has attributed previous strain to declining flu vaccination rates. The association's president said the province has not promoted vaccination adequately, allowing rates to drop below levels needed to prevent surge scenarios.
What is the current flu vaccination rate in Alberta compared to previous seasons?
Are hospitals currently implementing the same contingency measures as last season, or have protocols changed?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How many flu cases does Calgary account for in Alberta?
Calgary has 238 of Alberta's 428 reported flu cases this season, representing more than half the provincial total.
How many people in Calgary are hospitalized with flu?
Calgary has 64 flu hospitalizations, 1 death, and 5 people in intensive care with the virus.
What strain of influenza dominates Calgary's cases?
More than 95 per cent of Calgary's flu cases are influenza A, which typically dominates early in the season and peaks sharply.
What happened at Rockyview General Hospital last flu season?
Rockyview General Hospital reached 108 per cent capacity at one point and was unable to accept more patients, forcing waiting rooms to overflow and all Calgary ambulances off the road to queue at hospitals.
