Four-year-old child among first flu deaths reported in Alberta

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A four-year-old child is among the first flu-related deaths in Alberta this season.

In a series of tweets posted just after 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Health Minister Jason Copping announced the deaths and offered his condolences to their loved ones.

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Six people have died so far – the four-year-old, one in their 50s, three people in their 60s and one in their 80s.

« This season, as we see the flu virus circulating in the province at higher levels, we can again expect to see an increase in severe consequences, » Copping said.

“While most children and young people recover from the flu without complications, some can get very sick and this can lead to serious illness, hospitalization and death.

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Getting the annual flu shot, Copping said, is the best way to protect against the flu and can be done by appointment or walk-in.

“Albertans can also take additional measures this flu season, including staying home when sick, wearing a properly fitted mask to reduce the risk of infection if desired, covering coughs and sneezes, disinfecting surfaces in the home and maintaining good hand hygiene,” says Copping.

According to provincial flu statistics, 2,082 cases of flu have been reported in the province so far this season.

There were 355 people hospitalized, including 34 in intensive care. More than 781,000 doses of influenza vaccine have been administered.