Calgary's Grueling Flu Season: Are We Through the Worst of It?
The Gist
Caught in Calgary's unpredictable weather and the relentless pace of work, many of us feel like we're constantly running on fumes. For those new to our city, like one Vancouver transplant navigating a demanding travel schedule, the onset of intense flu symptoms—fever, body aches, exhaustion, and a persistent cough—can feel particularly isolating and overwhelming. It’s not just you; it seems everyone from your neighbours in Ward 11 to your colleagues working downtown along The Bow is battling this beast. The truth is, Alberta, alongside the rest of Canada, officially declared an influenza epidemic in week 45 of 2023, around November 11th, when flu test positivity soared past the 5% seasonal threshold. By late November, our province was seeing significant increases in flu activity, affecting communities from Deerfoot to the mountains. Typical flu symptoms, like that bone-deep tiredness and relentless cough, became an unwelcome reality for many.
Impact on Calgarians
This isn't just a sniffle; it's had a tangible impact on our city's health infrastructure and daily lives. The 2023-2024 flu season was particularly brutal, placing a high burden on Alberta hospitals with a significant number of admissions and tragic deaths. Fast forward to the current 2025-2026 season, and as of October 11, 2025, Calgary alone accounted for 68 of Alberta's 137 Influenza A cases, contributing to 38 hospitalizations and one ICU admission provincially. Imagine the pressure on our healthcare heroes at facilities like Foothills Medical Centre or South Health Campus. Last season, we saw a staggering 13,271 lab-confirmed cases of Influenza A and 1,434 cases of Influenza B, leading to 3,731 hospital admissions—313 of which required ICU care—and 239 deaths across Alberta. This isn't just a statistic; it means longer wait times for everyone at urgent care, and a heightened risk of infection as you commute on the C-Train or grab groceries, as influenza spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, and shared surfaces.
The Reality Check
Thankfully, our province is proactive in combating this annual challenge. Alberta Health Services (AHS) launched its "Influenza Immunization Program 2025-2026" on October 20, 2025, offering the influenza vaccine free of charge. This means anyone aged 6 months and older who lives, works, studies, or even visits Alberta can get immunized. For most Calgarians aged 5 and up, a quick trip to a local community pharmacy—many offering convenient walk-in appointments—or booking online or via 811 is all it takes. For our youngest Calgarians, between 6 months and 5 years old, public health clinics are the go-to. This widespread accessibility, backed by Alberta's *Public Health Act* and *Communicable Disease Regulations*, ensures that protecting yourself and your community is as straightforward as possible.
The Flip Side
While the provincially funded program covers the standard influenza vaccine, it's worth noting that some enhanced options, like Fluzone® HD (high dose), aren't included in Alberta's free public program for 2025-2026. These specialized vaccines may offer increased protection for certain demographics, but they come with a cost, though private insurance might offer coverage if you choose this route. It's a reminder that while core protection is universally available, exploring all your options means being aware of potential out-of-pocket expenses for certain enhanced immunizations. For most Calgarians, however, the free vaccine offers robust protection against the circulating strains.
The Bottom Line
So, to answer the initial cry from our new Calgarian, you're absolutely not alone in feeling hit hard by this flu season. It's been a significant challenge for many, from our front-line healthcare workers to families juggling work and sick kids. But understanding the scope of the problem—and critically, knowing the readily available solutions—empowers us all. Getting your flu shot is a simple, effective step you can take not just for your own health, but for the health of your family, your colleagues in those high-rise offices, and the entire Calgary community. Let's work together to keep our city healthy and resilient as we navigate the rest of this season.
