First Flu Hospitalization In El Paso County

A child in El Paso County is the first to be hospitalized with influenza in the county this year according to El Paso County Public Health.

The executive director of Public Health, Kandi Buckland, says this serves as a reminder about the seriousness of the flu. Buckland says, “We expect to see an increase in flu activity throughout the holidays and encourage everyone to get vaccinated and be conscientious about practicing flu prevention behaviors.

During the 2010-2011 flu season (Oct. 3, 2010 through May 21, 2011) El Paso County had 123 influenza-associated hospitalizations.

Public Health recommends flu vaccination for anyone 6 months of age and older, and especially for people who are high risk of developing flu-related complications; or live with or care for people at high risk.

People at high risk for flu-related complications include children younger than 2-years-old, adults 65 years of age or older, pregnant women, and people with medical conditions including asthma, chronic lung disease, heart disease, blood disorders, kidney disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of influenza may include fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, body aches, diarrhea and vomiting.

Public Health says having these symptoms does not always mean that you have flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms.

To prevent the flu, Public Health recommends getting vaccinated. They also say you should stay home if you are sick with flu symptoms.

To locate a flu shot clinic near you, call the Pikes Peak United Way’s 2-1-1 information and referral hotline, or visit www.immunizecolorado.com or www.elpasocountyhealth.org.