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EDMONTON — Respiratory viruses are circulating widely in Alberta as the province moves through the heart of the winter illness season, with influenza leading the way and hospitals reporting increased pressure from virus-related admissions.
Provincial surveillance data for the week of Dec. 7 to 13 show 2,314 new influenza cases, bringing the seasonal total to 5,996. Influenza test positivity stood at 34.6 per cent, with 360 people hospitalized, including 30 in intensive care. Nine influenza-related deaths were reported during the week, for a total of 39 this season.
COVID-19 activity remains lower by comparison. Alberta recorded 288 new SARS-CoV-2 cases during the reporting period, with a positivity rate of 4.5 per cent. Ninety-one people were hospitalized with COVID-19, including two in intensive care, and two deaths were reported during the week, bringing the seasonal total to 68.
Respiratory syncytial virus activity was also present but comparatively limited. The province reported 146 RSV cases, with a positivity rate of 2.4 per cent. Twenty people were hospitalized, three of them in intensive care, and no RSV-related deaths were reported during the week.
Health officials note that people diagnosed with more than one respiratory virus are counted in each category for which they test positive, and that hospitalization data may be updated as information becomes available.
In a statement issued Dec. 19, the Alberta government said hospitals and emergency departments across the province are seeing increased illness related to seasonal respiratory viruses but remain prepared to meet demand.
The province has activated surge and overcapacity protocols where needed, including adding temporary beds, adjusting staffing, reconfiguring care spaces and using virtual hospital services to allow some patients to recover at home. Officials say additional beds and spaces have been opened in some locations, early discharge is being supported with enhanced home care, and coordination between hospitals and community providers has been increased.
Despite the rise in respiratory illness, the government says scheduled procedures and appointments are continuing as planned and surgical sites remain fully operational.
Health officials are urging Albertans to take steps to protect themselves and others, including staying up to date on immunizations, staying home when sick and choosing the most appropriate care option. Not every case of influenza or other respiratory illness requires a visit to an emergency department, they said, noting that care is also available through community pharmacies, primary care providers, urgent care centres and virtual services.
Albertans with questions about symptoms, testing or care options are encouraged to contact a primary care provider or call 811 for Health Link, which is available 24 hours a day.
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