Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza
On June 11, 2009, in response to the global spread of a new strain of influenza, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak to be an influenza pandemic, the first since 1968. The new influenza virus and pandemic was named "Pandemic (H1N1) 2009."
In Alberta, the pandemic occurred in two waves. The first wave peaked in June 2009, the second in October 2009. Overall, younger people were more at risk to get the virus, but with less severe symptoms compared to the seasonal influenza virus strains seen each year. Illness among school-aged children (aged 5–18 years) was particularly high.
Since January 2010, Alberta has not experienced significant Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza activity. The H1N1 influenza virus is expected to circulate for years as a regular seasonal influenza strain.
The WHO declared the H1N1 pandemic over on August 10, 2010.
More information
- Read the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 case summary for Alberta
- Information for health professionals (under review)
- Compare pandemic and seasonal influenza (chart)
- Read Alberta's pandemic influenza plan
