255 Albertans have died from influenza this season. That number has been climbing for four straight years, and health experts say the province still isn't in the clear.

According to Alberta's provincial respiratory virus dashboard, 15,927 flu cases have been reported this season, with more than 3,750 Albertans hospitalized including dozens in intensive care units. The death toll is the highest recorded in the province since tracking began in 2009.

This wasn't a fluke year. The province recorded 236 flu deaths in 2024-25, 171 the year before that, and 121 in 2022-23. The trend line only goes one direction.

What made this season so bad
The dominant strain this year was Influenza A (H3N2) a particularly aggressive variant that first emerged in Australia before spreading globally. H3N2 seasons consistently produce more severe outcomes at a population level compared to other strains.

Making things worse, the vaccine available this season was a poor match for the circulating strain. That mismatch, combined with already-low vaccination rates, meant fewer Albertans had meaningful protection when the wave hit.

Alberta peaked on December 14, after which cases dropped sharply. But the province is now seeing a rise in Influenza B cases a typically milder strain, but a clear signal that flu season isn't finished. Experts say Albertans should expect cases to continue until at least the end of April.

One in five Albertans got vaccinated. That's a 15-year low.
Alberta's flu vaccination rate sits at just 20.1 per cent the lowest it's been since 2010-11. For context, 1,019,967 doses were administered through the first 18 weeks of this season. That sounds like a lot until you consider Alberta's population of roughly five million.

Vaccination rates have declined every year since 2022. Critics point to that trend as a direct contributor to the rising death toll.

Health Minister Matt Jones acknowledged it was "a particularly difficult respiratory virus season" and cited the vaccine mismatch as a contributing factor, while encouraging Albertans to consult a medical professional about their options.

This isn't just hitting seniors
While older adults remain the most vulnerable, Alberta's data shows 12 Albertans between the ages of 20 and 49 died from flu this season including three people in their twenties and three in their thirties. That age range often feels invincible when it comes to influenza. This season is a reminder that serious outcomes can happen to anyone.

What about RSV and COVID?
Flu wasn't the only respiratory virus putting pressure on Alberta's hospitals this season. According to provincial data, 28 Albertans have died from RSV this season, and 111 from COVID-19.

Physicians say RSV season has also been running longer than average in the years since the pandemic. Experts expect RSV case numbers to drop significantly within the next four to six weeks.

COVID, meanwhile, follows no real seasonal pattern. Albertans with risk factors are encouraged to consider getting their COVID and RSV vaccines regardless of where flu season stands — both remain available.

Looking ahead
The province has committed $140 million through Budget 2026 to strengthen immunization outreach and improve access heading into next year's season.

Whether that investment translates into higher uptake and fewer deaths remains to be seen.

Sources
Alberta Respiratory Virus Dashboard (Government of Alberta): alberta.ca/stats/dashboard/respiratory-virus-dashboard.htm
Health Canada FluWatch+ Surveillance Report: health-infobase.canada.ca/respiratory-virus-surveillance/influenza.html
Government of Alberta — Influenza information: alberta.ca/influenza-the-flu