Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Vivien Suttorp, has announced that the worst of the province's flu season is likely over. Hospitalizations for respiratory viruses peaked on December 31, with 700 influenza patients, but this number has since decreased to 513. The surge in cases has put a strain on the hospital system, which is already facing challenges due to limited resources. Dr. Suttorp emphasized that while test positivity rates and case counts for Influenza A are declining, the flu season is not over yet. She noted an increase in the circulation of the Influenza B strain, which often emerges later in the season and can cause significant illness, especially in those who are not immunized. The predominant virus this season is a typically more severe strain, particularly affecting those with chronic conditions, the elderly, and young children. Dr. Suttorp also mentioned that there are currently 118 COVID-19 patients and 85 with respiratory syncytial virus in hospitals. Despite the government's focus on the flu's impact, some doctors argue that the system is already under pressure due to other factors. The Alberta Medical Association has raised concerns about the hospital capacity crisis, with long wait times and overcrowding in emergency rooms. The opposition NDP's hospitals critic, Sarah Hoffman, calls for a plan to address the ongoing healthcare crisis, emphasizing that overcrowding and long wait times are not new issues. Dr. Suttorp advised Albertans to stay home when sick, wash hands, and get vaccinated to prevent the spread. Acute Care Alberta is coordinating a province-wide response to create more capacity and free up resources, including accelerating discharges and transfers. With only 19% of Albertans immunized against influenza, Dr. Suttorp highlighted that 74% of hospitalization cases this year involved unvaccinated individuals. She assured that the vaccine still offers protection, especially against severe illness, despite a 'mismatch' with the dominant strain.
