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Influenza clinic in Lethbridge. (Lethbridge News Now)

17.29% in AHS’ South Zone have received flu shots

Nov 8, 2019 | 10:40 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Alberta Health Services has released its first weekly update on the 2019/2020 influenza season.

As of Friday, November 8th, 52,998 people in the South Zone have been immunized against influenza. According to AHS’ 2018-2019 annual report, there were 306,577 people in the region as of 2018.

“It’s important to remember the influenza disease data we capture in our weekly updates is considered a mere fraction of the influenza activity that is actually impacting our friends, loved ones and neighbours,” says Dr. Jia Hu, AHS Medical Officer of Health.

There have been four lab-confirmed cases of Influenza A and seven lab-confirmed cases of Influenza B.

None of the cases of influenza in the South Zone have required hospitalization.

“Not all cases of influenza are lab-confirmed and not all cases require hospitalization. However, by consistently sharing the influenza disease information that we do capture, we are still ensuring Albertans understand the stark reality of influenza.”

The South Zone includes communities like the Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek, Fort Macleod, Granum, Magrath, Cardston, Lethbridge, Coaldale, Picture Butte, Raymond, Milk River, Vauxhall, Brooks, Bassano, Bow Island, Redcliff, Medicine Hat, Irvine, and Oyen.