Cold and flu season has arrived in Alberta.

And after an intense influenza season in Australia, it’s a warning Canada could see a bad wave of illnesses.

“Lots of cases, lots of hospitalizations, and a lot of complicated cases,” said Dr. Craig Jenne, an immunologist and professor at the University of Calgary. “So unfortunately, we are expecting a bit of a rough ride this flu season here in Canada.”

Jenne explains the season could be especially bad in Alberta with declining vaccination rates in the province.

For those who do get the jab, there’s also the potential for less protection from a new mutated H3N2 strain.

“That could create the perfect storm to see significant increases in the number of people presenting in Alberta hospitals this year,” Jenne said.

Flu shots are offered for f

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