Flu Season Stays Tame

According to El Paso County Public Health, there have been 48 flu-related hospitalizations in 12 counties across Colorado as of Jan. 7.

Dr. Edwin Baca, medical director of Integrity Urgent Care, said this season has been somewhat unpredictable with respect to cases of influenza.

?Typically in Colorado, we see a peak anywhere from January to February. We saw a little bit of a blip mid- to late November, then it really tapered off December to early January,? said Baca.

Baca said it is difficult to narrow down a reason as to why one season will differ from another, but said it does have to do with the particular strain dominant during the season.

Baca also said the mild winter weather may be influencing the prominence of the flu this season.

?It definitely does play a role throughout the flu season. We have a pretty mild season for temperature, so I think that probably plays a big role,? he said.

Baca did tell KRDO Newschannel 13 that flu season goes through May. He said he still anticipates the numbers to peak by the end of January and in February.

?We?re not out of the clear yet. We haven?t hit the peak yet so precautions and preventative medicine is always the best medicine,? said Baca.

Baca cautions everyone to continue washing hands and staying home when sick. Baca also said it is not too late to get a flu vaccination.

According to El Paso County Public Health, during the 2010/2011 season there were 247 hospitalizations and 5 deaths reported by Jan. 30, 2011.