6 flu deaths reported in Alberta
Alberta health officials say flu season has not yet begun but is 'imminent'
Alberta Health Services (AHS) says six people in the province had died of the flu since the end of August, and one of those victims was in Calgary.
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"The lab confirmed influenza cases we’re seeing are sporadic, but are also increasing in number," said AHS spokesperson Bruce Conway.
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He said flu season has yet to start but Alberta's chief medical officer, Dr. Judy MacDonald, says it is "imminent."
"That’s why it’s so important for people to be immunized before the season is in full swing," said Conway.
The provincial health agency releases influenza statistics each week.
According to those numbers, 45 people have been hospitalized since late August. There have also been 133 cases of Influenza A and 15 cases of Influenza B in the same time period.
AHS also says close to 850,000 Albertans have now been vaccinated.
"Lots more to go, but it's certainly positive people are using the clinics and being immunized," said Conway.
Immunization is free to all Albertans aged six months and over.