A Calgary mother is urging Albertans to take this year's flu season seriously after her four-year-old son, who is battling leukemia, contracted influenza B and required multiple emergency room visits.
Erin Nicholls said the past week and a half has been "rocky" since her son Arthur tested positive for the virus. Arthur, who was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago, remains at high risk for severe illness due to his compromised immune system from ongoing cancer treatment.
"Every noise he makes — if he breathes the wrong way, if we hear an extra cough in the night — you're definitely going to the worst case scenario," Nicholls said.
Arthur has visited the emergency room twice since falling ill, developing what doctors believe is a secondary infection. The situation has been particularly stressful for Nicholls, who works as a family physician and understands the serious risks.
"I have rotated through the oncology unit in my training and I've seen children like him close to dying from sepsis," she said. "And there's always that thought in my mind, like, what if he takes a turn for the worse?"
Alberta Sees Late-Season Influenza B Surge
After a significant decline early in the year, Alberta experienced a resurgence of influenza through February and most of March. The uptick was driven primarily by influenza B, which typically arrives later in the flu season compared to influenza A.
The timing caught many Albertans off guard, as flu activity usually peaks earlier in winter months. Health officials have noted the pattern reflects ongoing circulation of the virus well into spring.
Vaccination Concerns for Vulnerable Populations
Despite the entire family receiving flu vaccinations last fall, Arthur likely didn't develop adequate protection due to his chemotherapy treatment suppressing his immune response. This highlights a critical challenge for cancer patients and other immunocompromised individuals.
Nicholls expressed additional concerns about Arthur's repeated hospital visits potentially exposing him to other infections, including measles. She also noted the strain these visits place on Alberta's already pressured healthcare system.
"I'm urging all Albertans to roll up their sleeves for the shot in the fall before the next flu season hits," Nicholls said. She hopes people will be "a little bit more willing to take that extra step to protect both themselves and vulnerable members of the community."
Call for Better Vaccine Access
Beyond individual vaccination decisions, Nicholls is calling on the provincial government to improve access to flu shots for the upcoming season. She said she's heard from parents who struggled to secure vaccination appointments for their children last fall and ultimately gave up.
Arthur's leukemia treatment is progressing well and is expected to conclude in June, offering hope for the family's future. His case serves as a reminder that flu season extends beyond traditional winter months and that community vaccination efforts play a crucial role in protecting society's most vulnerable members.
This story was originally reported by CBC Health. Additional reporting by Michael Torres.