2024-09-09 14:09:13
Annual respiratory virus data in Alberta shows more than four times as many Albertans have died from COVID-19 compared to the number who died from influenza.
Seven hundred and thirty-two people died from COVID-19 between August 27, 2023 and August 24, 2024. During the same period, 177 deaths attributed to influenza were recorded.
This is proof that COVID-19 is not just another flu, says Craig Jenne, a professor in the department of microbiology, immunology and infectious diseases at the University of Calgary.
So these viral diseases remain significant in Alberta. They still pose a significant risk to some Albertans. And, unfortunately, they continue to claim lives at a truly unacceptable rate.
A quote from Craig Jenne, University of Calgary
While high compared to influenza, the number of deaths from COVID-19 in Alberta has declined from a peak of 2,409 deaths recorded between 2021 and 2022.
Edmonton critical care specialist and Alberta Medical Association president-elect Dr. Shelley Duggan says the disease continues to take a toll on the population.
We see people who have COVID-19 and all of a sudden they’re coming to the hospital with blood clots, heart attacks, strokes.
A quote from Dr. Shelley Duggan, a critical care specialist in Edmonton
Over the past year, 3,348 people were hospitalized with influenza, and 6,070 with COVID-19.
Shelley Duggan says COVID-19 is not a seasonal illness: it is an infection that ebbs and flows throughout the year.
She points out that, unlike the situation at the start of the pandemic, far fewer patients are now being admitted to intensive care with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
She says she tends to treat people for whom the disease has exacerbated other health problems. These include chemotherapy patients, transplant patients, people with compromised immune systems, and elderly patients.
Provincial health ministry data shows that 632 of those who have died from COVID-19 were aged 70 and over.
The province also says that deaths related to influenza and COVID-19 are counted when both are the primary cause or a contributing factor. We still have a significant proportion of people who will die either directly from COVID-19, or because the disease triggers other things.
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Shelley Duggan is a critical care physician in Edmonton and president-elect of the Alberta Medical Association.
Photo : Alberta Medical Association
Vaccination is essential to protect yourself
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Craig Jenne and Shelley Duggan both say reversing the trend of declining vaccination rates will be critical for the upcoming respiratory virus season.
Just under a quarter of Albertans have been vaccinated against the flu during the 2023-24 season, while 16.9 per cent have been immunized against COVID-19.
It will be essential that people get vaccinated this year to protect themselves, of course, but also to protect vulnerable people and the hospital system, because we are already overwhelmed, recommends Dr. Duggan.
Alberta has stopped offering XBB COVID-19 vaccines since Aug. 31, in accordance with a directive from Health Canada, a health ministry spokesperson said.
Vaccines targeting newer strains have not yet been approved by Health Canada.
A federal government advisory to health professionals says COVID-19 vaccines designed to target the JN.1 or KP.2 strains are expected to be authorized in time for fall vaccination campaigns.
The province said more information about its upcoming vaccination program will be available in the coming weeks.
With information from Jennifer Lee
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Alberta COVID restrictions today
COVID-19: The Ongoing Threat to Alberta’s Public Health
As Alberta continues to learn to live with COVID-19, the province is still grappling with the significant impact of the virus on its healthcare system and population. According to recent data, more than four times as many Albertans have died from COVID-19 compared to influenza, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus.
The Devastating Impact of COVID-19
Between August 27, 2023, and August 24, 2024, 732 people died from COVID-19 in Alberta, while 177 deaths were attributed to influenza during the same period. This stark contrast underscores the severity of COVID-19, which is not just another flu, as emphasized by Craig Jenne, a professor in the department of microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases at the University of Calgary. <a href="”>[3]
The virus has taken a toll on the population, with 6,070 people hospitalized with COVID-19 over the past year, compared to 3,348 with influenza. Moreover, COVID-19 has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, including the elderly, with 632 of those who died from the virus being aged 70 and over. <a href="”>[3]
The Importance of Vaccination
Dr. Shelley Duggan, an Edmonton critical care specialist and Alberta Medical Association president-elect, stressed that vaccination is essential to protect oneself and vulnerable individuals. <a href="”>[3] Unfortunately, vaccination rates have declined, with only 16.9% of Albertans immunized against COVID-19 and just under a quarter vaccinated against the flu during the 2023-24 season. <a href="”>[3]
Reversing this trend will be crucial for the upcoming respiratory virus season, as emphasized by Craig Jenne and Shelley Duggan. It is essential for people to get vaccinated this year to protect themselves, vulnerable individuals, and the hospital system, which is already overwhelmed. <a href="”>[3]
Understanding COVID-19 Transmission
COVID-19 is spread through tiny droplets of liquid released by coughing, sneezing, talking, laughing, and singing, making it a highly contagious disease. <a href="”>[1] As Alberta continues to learn to live with COVID-19, it is vital to maintain public awareness about the virus, its transmission, and the importance of vaccination.
Conclusion
COVID-19 remains a significant threat to Alberta’s public health, and it is essential to take proactive measures to mitigate its spread. By understanding the virus, its transmission, and the importance of vaccination, we can work together to protect ourselves, vulnerable individuals, and the healthcare system. As we move forward, it is crucial to prioritize vaccination, maintain public awareness, and learn to live with COVID-19 while protecting the health care system and increasing vaccination rates. <a href="”>[2]
COVID-19 in Alberta: The Ongoing Threat and Importance of Vaccination
As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, Alberta, Canada, is no exception. The province has seen a significant number of deaths attributed to COVID-19, with 732 fatalities recorded between August 27, 2023, and August 24, 2024. In contrast, 177 deaths were attributed to influenza during the same period. This disparity highlights the severity of COVID-19 and the need for continued vigilance and mitigation measures.
The Devastating Impact of COVID-19
According to Craig Jenne, a professor in the department of microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases at the University of Calgary, COVID-19 is not just another flu. It remains a significant risk to many Albertans, claiming lives at an unacceptable rate[[[3]].
Dr. Shelley Duggan, an Edmonton critical care specialist and Alberta Medical Association president-elect, echoes this sentiment, stating that COVID-19 continues to take a toll on the population. She notes that the disease is not seasonal and can have severe consequences, including blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes[[[3]].
Hospitalization and Death Rates
Data from the past year shows that 3,348 people were hospitalized with influenza, while 6,070 were hospitalized with COVID-19. Furthermore, 632 of those who died from COVID-19 were aged 70 and over, highlighting the vulnerability of elderly individuals to the disease[[[3]].
Vaccination: The Key to Protection
Craig Jenne and Shelley Duggan both emphasize the importance of vaccination in protecting against COVID-19. Reversing the trend of declining vaccination rates will be critical in preventing further illness and death. Vaccination is essential to protect not only individuals but also the community, particularly those with compromised immune systems[[[3]].
Current Alberta COVID-19 Restrictions
As of the current date, September 9, 2024, there are no specific province-wide COVID-19 restrictions in Alberta. However, individuals can access information on COVID-19, including testing, test results, and staying healthy after COVID-19, through the Alberta Health Services website[[[1]]. Additionally, the Government of Canada removed all COVID-19 border measures, including proof of vaccination, testing, quarantine, and masking, as of October 1, 2022[[[3]].
Acute Care Outbreaks in Alberta
As of the last update on the Alberta Health Services website, there were COVID-19 outbreaks at various acute care facilities in the province[[[2]]. It is essential to stay informed about the current outbreak situation and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
COVID-19 remains a significant threat to public health in Alberta, and vaccination is crucial in protecting against the disease. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, individuals can contribute to reducing the spread of COVID-19 and mitigating its devastating consequences.
