‘A concerning theme’: Deadliest flu season on record for third time in recent Alberta history

The deadliest flu season in recent history coincides with low vaccination rates and possible health impacts from the COVID-19 virus.

For the third year in a row, Alberta broke the record for the highest death toll due to influenza in recent history.

“There has been kind of a concerning theme of more severe years back to back to back,” said Lynora Saxinger, University of Alberta infectious diseases specialist.

Alberta recorded 193 deaths due to influenza so far in the 2024-25 season.

Two strains hit Alberta this season—H1N1 and H3N2.

“It was almost like two flu seasons in one year, and I, in my life, have never seen that before,” said Saxinger.

“Influenza B is more serious, so we’re making sure people have the information they need,” said Adriana LaGrange, Alberta’s health minister.

Still, fewer Albertans are getting flu shots.

This season, only 21 per cent did—the lowest since the 2009-10 season.

“We have kind of been underselling the flu vaccine at the Alberta government level over the last few years, and that’s got to change. Vaccines work,” said Dr. Joe Vipond.

Measures taken during the pandemic led to a year without flu in Alberta.

“If people had really been encouraged to get all our flu shots immediately upon pandemic exit, I think we would be in a potentially better situation in terms of having that really flaring spread in the population,” said Saxinger.

Doctors say possible health impacts of the COVID-19 virus may also be a factor in the severity of other respiratory illnesses, including flu, RSV and measles.

“We need to up our game when it comes to these airborne transmitted illnesses,” said Vipond.

Though cases are tapering off, there are still 172 people in hospital with influenza, including nine people in intensive care.

“While this season’s program has ended, Alberta will continue offering a universal influenza immunization program in 2025-26 for everyone six months of age and older, with more than 1,700 access points across the province and ongoing public awareness efforts,” said Alberta Heath.