Alberta has been experiencing surging influenza cases since the last season, and experts say that this widespread is more fatal than before. The province reported the first influenza death case after several weeks of health caution alerts and follow-ups from health experts. As per Alberta’s Respiratory Virus Dashboard, the deceased person is a central zone resident and was aged between 60-69 years.
Sharp Spike in Influenza Cases in Alberta & Other Countries
Deep-diving into the RV Dashboard facts, the number of hospitalized influenza cases stood at 3732 in 2024-25, compared to 532 in 2021-2022, which is more than 7x times. Influenza death cases in Alberta rose from 20 in 2021-22 to 237 in 2024-25.
The Government of Canada’s week 44 report reveals that 40 regions across 10 provinces and territories were impacted by influenza. The report further said that 24 regions in 8 provinces exhibited sporadic activity, including Yukon, Nunavut, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia.
However, 12 regions in 6 provinces, namely, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island, have not reported any activity so far.
In an interview with CBC, Dr. James Talbot, Alberta’s former chief medical officer of health, said that, “We’re well and truly into the beginning of influenza season. In Alberta, we run our hospitals and our emergency departments at about 100 per cent all the time. And that means that it doesn’t take many respiratory cases — that would include both flu and COVID — to put the emergency departments and hospitals in general under a lot of stress.”
Flu & Strains Unmatched – Should We Still Get A Shot?
Severe flu cases are most common among older adults and people with health problems. According to the latest UK Health Security Agency reports for October 2025, the flu wave surged from 6.1% to 8.2%, and most of the cases happened among school-going children, which is almost triple compared to 2.9% the previous year at the same time.
Flu vaccines are made ready before the start of a new flu season, but the changing flu strains might not be the same as the vaccine version. However, health experts recommend that the general public get inoculated irrespective of the shifts in the flu strains, as the vaccine layer can act as a protector, which lowers the chances of getting attacked by the flu.
Important Safety Tips From Top Health Experts
In the NHS October 2025 report, Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said that, “This early rise of flu in children is particularly concerning – especially given that flu circulation in children normally precedes that in adults – so it’s vitally important those eligible come forward for their vaccine as soon as possible to avoid a long and drawn-out flu season.
“The flu virus changes every year, so it’s important to get a vaccination each year to ensure your and your family’s protection and to help reduce the spread to others.
“Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to help shield against the virus and prepare for what we expect to be a very challenging winter, so I would urge everyone eligible to come forward for their jabs as soon as they can, with easy-to-book appointments or drop-in sessions now available closer to home.”
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said that, “We’re seeing an unusually early start to the flu season this year, with the latest data showing a sharp increase among children but also increases in other age groups, with the virus now starting to spread more widely in the community.
“If you’re eligible for a vaccine, it is because you are at greater risk of severe illness – every year we see many thousands end up in hospital and far too many deaths from flu. It’s crucial that everyone eligible books their appointment as soon as possible. The vaccine is our best defence.
“Parents should return school consent forms or arrange GP appointments for 2-3-year-olds. The nasal spray vaccine can help stop your child from getting very unwell and reduce the risk of passing flu to vulnerable family members.
“Anyone with flu or COVID-19 symptoms – including high temperature, cough, and feeling tired or achy – should minimise contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. If you need to go out with symptoms, consider wearing a face covering, washing your hands regularly, and ensuring indoor spaces are well ventilated.”
Article written by: FRSC Staff
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