Lethbridge pharmacies report higher demand for influenza tests, vaccines as cases peak

Alberta's top doctor says a surge in influenza in the province has peaked, but pharmacists in Lethbridge say the risk is still there.

Lethbridge pharmacies are continuing to see people test positive for influenza as the province says cases peaked at the end of December.

“In 2024, we did not see many cases of influenza, but this year we have seen at our pharmacy almost 30 people test positive,” said Mihir Patel, pharmacy manager at The Medicine Shoppe near the Chinook Regional Hospital.

On Tuesday, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health said the province peaked following a surge in flu cases at the end of last year, and illness rates are coming down.

“This season, Alberta experienced an exceptionally large wave of influenza-A H3N2,” said Dr. Vivien Suttorp, Alberta’s CMOH.

“Over the course of December, influenza-A activity rose steeply and placed significant pressure on emergency departments, congregate care sites and care providers across the province.”

During the peak, Suttorp said more than 700 people were hospitalized with influenza.

On Tuesday, that was down to 513 patients in hospital.

“Influenza seasons always vary every year to a degree,” said Suttorp.

“This season, we had an early peak, and it was also a predominant strain of influenza-A H3N2. This is typically a strain of influenza more severe compared to other strains.”

In the South Zone, there have been a total of 1,125 cases, with 319 people seeking treatment in hospital.

Twelve people died this flu season.

“Seventy-four per cent of hospitalized cases of influenza in all demographics have not been immunized this year,” said Suttorp.

According to the province, only 19 per cent of Albertans have been immunized for the flu this year.

“We did over 1,000 vaccines this year,” said Patel.

“Especially with the changing weather because we are getting really cold, and now it’s really good weather, and then it’s cold. During that time, the influenza virus is active more, so if we get the vaccine, that’s better.”