Alberta Health Services says a second person has died from the flu in northern Alberta. The death was recorded in the week leading up to January 26th, but no further information on the patient has been released.
So far, 28 Albertans with lab-confirmed influenza have passed away since the beginning of the season in mid-October. Ten people died of the flu in northern Alberta last season, out of 92 in all of the province.
Of the 1,151 Albertans admitted to hospital with the virus so far this season, 171 were in AHS’ North Zone. There have been 1,141 local cases of lab-confirmed influenza A, and seven of influenza B so far.
People in Alberta six months and older can get a free flu shot at the Grande Prairie Public Health Centre in the provincial building on weekdays. Pharmacists can also immunize people five years and older. 95,222 doses of the flu vaccine have been given out in the north already.