Based on laboratory testing, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said it believes the state has entered a period of more intense influenza activity.
As of Thursday morning, 596 people had been hospitalized since the flu season started in early October. Twenty-five percent of them are over the age of 65 and 26 percent are under the age of 18.
Based on patterns from past years, influenza activity is expected to continue to escalate, with peak activity starting now and ending in February.
“Colorado and Georgia have been declared by the CDC to be the states currently at the highest flu risk, so one of the best things you can for your health as we start 2019 is to get a flu shot if you haven’t already gotten yours,” said Executive Director of Tri-County Health Department John M. Douglas, Jr. “People who are at higher risk of developing flu-related complications include children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with medical conditions or compromised immune systems. These people should be treated with medication when flu symptoms first begin.”
Symptoms of the flu include high fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches and fatigue. Some people may experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but this is more common in children than adults. Tri-County Health Department provides no-cost or low-cost flu vaccinations for those on Medicaid or who are uninsured at numerous clinics throughout Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas Counties.
For more information, visit Tri-County Health Department’s website here or call the immunization hotline at 303-451-0123.
To find flu vaccines at retail outlets, click here or speak with your healthcare provider.