(rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

THE FLU

Influenza claims four Central Zone lives in last two weeks

Jan 23, 2020 | 4:48 PM

Influenza has taken the lives of four central Albertans in the past two weeks, according to data from Alberta Health Services.

Ifeoma Achebe, medical officer of health for AHS Central Zone, says this is the time of year where flu cases tend to increase.

“We started seeing the spike in cases around Christmas week,” she says. “That was just before the cold snap. This time of year — December, January, February and even March — we see a lot of cases of influenza, so this isn’t surprising at all.”

So far this year, the flu-related death toll in Central Zone is four, and 19 provincially. At this time last year, those totals were nine and 24, respectively.

Overall flu cases have also decreased year over year, with the Central Zone going from 628 to 505, and the province from 5061 to 4198.

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“We have had more uptake of the vaccine by about 50,000 to 100,000,” Achebe says. “Last year, 1097 individuals were hospitalized with influenza at this time, and this year it’s 787.”

Achebe adds that the season began with an uptick in the B strain of influenza, whereas it’s typically the A strain which is strong off the start before B takes over late in the season.

“We don’t know what will happen tomorrow. It’s not too late to get your shot. You can get it at the pharmacy, community health centre, a doctor’s office, and it takes about two weeks to kick in, but one could still benefit from getting the shot,” she advises.

“A lot of people still go to work and school and share the virus. If you’re sick, stay home. Be sure to always wash your hands and use hand sanitizer.”