Alberta hospitals are facing a surge in flu patients during an already challenging period, with doctors preparing for further increases as the peak of the respiratory virus season approaches. Dr. Paul Parks, the president-elect of the emergency medicine section at the Alberta Medical Association, expressed concerns about the overwhelming pressure on emergency departments across the province.
The respiratory virus dashboard indicates a higher-than-average flu positivity rate of 17.8%, leading to a rise in hospitalizations. As of Nov. 29, 519 Albertans had been hospitalized due to influenza, with 31 ICU admissions and 15 deaths reported.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) facilities are experiencing heightened patient demand, especially in emergency departments, with many seeking care for respiratory illnesses. Dr. Sidd Thakore at Alberta Children’s Hospital noted a significant increase in flu cases among children of all ages.
To address the surge in demand, AHS is implementing over-capacity and surge plans, including utilizing dedicated beds, discharging patients with enhanced home support, and increasing staffing. A total of 336 temporary beds were added during the previous respiratory virus season, with 206 operational year-round and the remaining 130 to be used temporarily.
Dr. Parks highlighted the strain on hospitals, attributing it to various factors such as population growth, health system restructuring, and low vaccination rates. He emphasized the challenges faced by emergency departments holding admitted inpatients due to bed shortages.
Immunization rates for influenza and COVID have declined in recent years, with only 16.2% of Albertans receiving a flu shot and 6.1% vaccinated against COVID-19 this season. Parks criticized the provincial government for its failure to promote public health and vaccination efforts.
In response to these concerns, AHS stated that the system is operating within typical flu season levels and denied claims of hospitals operating over 100% capacity. The ministry emphasized that flu and RSV rates are consistent with previous years, with COVID rates significantly lower.
Despite the challenges, experts stress the importance of vaccination to protect against serious illness. Thakore encouraged individuals to get vaccinated, stay home if sick, and avoid contact with vulnerable populations. Older adults and young children, especially those with underlying health conditions, are at higher risk of flu-related complications.