Alberta has seen more COVID-19 deaths in just 10 months than flu deaths over the past 20 years. CTV News
In Alberta, recent data highlights the stark contrast between the impacts of COVID-19 and influenza. Over the past year, respiratory illnesses combined caused more than 900 deaths in the province, with COVID-19 proving to be significantly deadlier than the flu.
According to Alberta's respiratory health dashboard, there were 732 deaths attributed to COVID-19 and 177 linked to influenza between August 27, 2023, and August 24, 2024. This means COVID-19 resulted in over four times as many deaths as the flu. The figures underline the ongoing severity of COVID-19, despite a decline from its peak in the 2021-2022 period when there were 2,409 deaths related to the virus.
Craig Jenne, a professor at the University of Calgary's Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, emphasizes the seriousness of COVID-19. He points out that, despite the flu being a serious virus in its own right, COVID-19 continues to cause more fatalities. "This is the most we've ever lost to flu, and COVID has still put up many more deaths than flu," Jenne said. He stresses that both viruses pose significant risks and continue to claim lives at an unacceptable rate.
Dr. Shelley Duggan, a critical care specialist in Edmonton and president-elect of the Alberta Medical Association, provides insight into the current situation. She notes that while the number of severe COVID-19 cases requiring intensive care has decreased, the virus continues to complicate other health issues. "We're seeing people who have COVID and suddenly come into the hospital with complications like blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes," Duggan explained.
The year also saw 3,348 hospitalizations due to the flu and 6,070 for COVID-19. Alberta Health tracks these hospitalizations when the illnesses are a primary or contributing factor. Duggan highlights that COVID-19 is not seasonal but fluctuates throughout the year, affecting various populations differently. Although early in the pandemic, she frequently admitted patients with severe pneumonia, now the focus is on those with exacerbated health conditions due to COVID-19.
Alberta Health data reveals that a significant number of COVID-19 deaths were among the elderly. Of those who died from COVID-19, 632 were aged 70 and older, 81 were between 50 and 69, and 15 were aged 20 to 49. Additionally, four children under ten also died from the virus.
Both Jenne and Duggan stress the importance of vaccination. Vaccination rates have dropped, with only about a quarter of Albertans receiving the flu shot and 16.9% getting vaccinated against COVID-19 in the 2023-2024 season. Duggan emphasizes the need for renewed vaccination efforts to protect individuals, particularly vulnerable populations, and to support the overwhelmed hospital system.
Currently, Alberta has halted the use of XBB COVID-19 vaccines, following Health Canada's directive. New vaccines targeting recent strains are expected to be authorized for fall campaigns. The province will provide more details on its vaccination program soon.
