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Flu's late surge: Mom urges Albertans to vaccinate for vulnerable
1 Apr
Summary
- Flu B surged in Alberta through February and March, affecting vulnerable individuals.
- A Calgary mother is urging flu vaccinations to protect children with weakened immune systems.
- Experts recommend vaccination for high-risk groups and their close contacts.
The mother of a young Calgary cancer patient is urging Albertans to consider vaccination as the flu season lingers, particularly for vulnerable populations. Influenza B drove a resurgence in Alberta through February and March. Arthur, a four-year-old with leukemia undergoing treatment, recently contracted influenza B, causing significant worry and hospital visits due to his compromised immune system.
Family physician Erin Nicholls, Arthur's mother, expressed her fear of secondary infections and sepsis. She emphasized that additional emergency room visits increase Arthur's risk of contracting other illnesses. The family was vaccinated in the fall, but chemotherapy may have limited Arthur's response.
Pediatrician Dr. Sam Wong stressed that immunosuppressed individuals, young children, and the elderly face higher risks of severe illness from influenza A and B and recommended vaccinations for these groups and their contacts. He highlighted that vaccination protects both the individual and the community.
While provincial case counts have dipped slightly, influenza B typically impacts the season later. Dr. James Dickinson noted a moderate uptick in respiratory illnesses. Experts advise sick individuals to stay home and consider masking, even as hospital admissions remain lower than December's peak. So far, 263 flu deaths have been recorded in Alberta this season.
