Alberta ERs Overwhelmed by Flu Surge

Alberta's healthcare system is grappling with an intense surge of influenza patients, overwhelming emergency departments and hospital capacity across the province. Doctors report that all major hospitals are operating over capacity, with admitted patients occupying beds due to a lack of available spaces. This influx of individuals seeking care for respiratory illnesses, including the flu, is placing immense pressure on already stretched resources.

The province's respiratory virus dashboard indicates rising hospitalizations, with a flu positivity rate of 17.8 percent as of November 29. During this period, 519 Albertans were hospitalized due to influenza, leading to 31 intensive care unit admissions and 15 reported deaths. Experts attribute the severity of this season to a combination of factors, including population growth, ongoing health system restructuring, and notably, low vaccination rates for both influenza and COVID-19.

Healthcare professionals are urging Albertans to get vaccinated and to stay home if sick to protect vulnerable populations, including children under five and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Alberta Health Services is implementing over-capacity and surge plans, including utilizing temporary beds and augmenting staffing, to manage the demand. However, concerns remain about potential delays in other essential medical services due to the critical strain on hospital resources.