Alberta appears to have passed the worst of its flu season, chief medical officer says

Alberta's chief medical officer of health said the province appears to be past the worst of an early, large H3N2-driven flu wave and that hospital admissions have begun to decline. Officials plan a formal update on hospital capacity on Thursday.

Alberta's chief medical officer of health said the province appears to be past the worst of an early, large H3N2-driven influenza wave that began in December. The surge placed heavy strain on hospitals already under pressure, and officials report test positivity and case counts are declining. Hospital admissions for respiratory viruses peaked at the end of December and have since fallen. Provincial health partners will provide an update on hospital capacity on Thursday. Key facts: - The recent influenza surge was driven by H3N2 and began unusually early in December. - Hospitalizations for respiratory viruses peaked on Dec. 31, with about 995 people reported hospitalized at that time. - Reported hospitalizations have since fallen to around 706 people, including roughly 513 for influenza. - Officials from the health ministry and partner organizations will give a hospital capacity update on Thursday. Summary: Officials say early indicators show influenza A activity has peaked and that case counts and hospital admissions are declining, which eases some pressure on the health system. A formal update on hospital capacity is scheduled for Thursday as officials continue to monitor respiratory virus activity.