Bob Stadnyk, pharmacist at Greg's Remedy'sRx, administers an influenza vaccine to Allison Shepard in this October 2018 file photo. Though numbers are low in the South zone, a spike in cases is coming at an earlier time than is normal.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
kking@medicinehatnews.com
An abnormally early and rapid spike in influenza cases across the nation led Canada’s Public Health Agency to declare a flu epidemic Tuesday, and while cases remain low in southern Alberta, medical experts in the region are encouraging the public to take precautionary measures.
“We are seeing influenza (in the South zone) like we’re seeing across the rest of the province,” South zone lead medical officer Dr. Vivien Suttorp told the News on Wednesday. “It is here and we are increasing in influenza illness cases.”
A respiratory virus known to cause symptoms of cough, fever, chills, a runny nose and muscle and joint aches, among others; influenza is endemic. Meaning it is continually present in human populations and has a somewhat predictable season of spread, which, in Canada, usually occurs between October and March.
“It’s a respiratory virus that circulates every year,” said Suttorp. “(But) there are different strains of influenza … Influenza A (H3N2) is the predominant strain circulating (this year) and it’s known to be most impactful for seniors and young individuals.
“And that is an important point, because in years when we have H3N2 as a predominant strain, we usually see more hospitalizations.”
As of Nov. 5, there were 146 patients hospitalized as a result of influenza in Alberta, with 13 in ICU. There are eight hospitalizations in the province’s South zone, one in ICU.
One of eight provinces currently reporting influenza cases, Alberta has 891 lab-confirmed, with 99 per cent of cases strain A and the remaining one per cent strain B.
But Suttorp says actual case counts are likely higher, as only cases confirmed by lab-testing are reported.
“We don’t, in general, do a lot of testing for influenza,” said Suttorp. “If you go to your doctor, or if you’re sick at home, we don’t test for influenza. So, what we’re seeing in the numbers is the tip of the iceberg. There’s way more out there than the few lab results that we have.”
While influenza cases fluctuate year-over-year, Suttorp says the numbers currently being reported in Alberta aren’t uncommon to see during flu season, but what is uncommon is the timing.
“What’s unique this year is that we’re seeing a very rapid rise of cases and earlier,” said Suttorp. “Usually our peaks are around the end of December to the end of January.”
Suttorp says accelerated appearance of cases and rapid spread are the two hallmarks of an epidemic, hence the Public Health Agency’s declaration.
In order to curb further spread and protect individual health, medical experts recommend immunization against influenza, especially for age groups most susceptible to the H3N2 strain – children and elders – and those with pre-existing health conditions.
“Our community is experiencing a significant rise in the spread of multiple respiratory viruses, causing many more patients to seek care at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital emergency room (with some patients) requiring admission to hospital,” Medicine Hat emergency physician Dr. Paul Parks said Tuesday. “The best defences against these highly contagious illnesses are vaccinations, wearing a mask in public and when social distancing is not an option and staying home when sick.”
As of Nov. 5, more than 675,414 Albertans had received their annual influenza immunization – approximately 15.2 per cent of the province’s population. Immunization in the South zone sat just below that at 14.3 per cent.
“Immunization for influenza is available and it’s free for all individuals six months and over,” said Suttorp. “And it is a known preventive strategy for severe illness and outcomes.”
