First confirmed flu hospitalizations reported in El Paso County

El Paso County Public Health reported its first two confirmed flu-related hospitalizations of the season Monday.

Public Health urges anyone 6 months of age and older to get vaccinated for the flu. The flu vaccine is safe and offers the best protection currently available against flu.

During the 2013-2014 flu season, 212 people in El Paso County were hospitalized due to flu-related symptoms. Flu activity commonly peaks in January or February. However, it can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May. The first flu case of 2013 was also reported in November.

The flu usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:

Fever (usually high)
Headache Tiredness (can be extreme) Cough Sore throat Body aches
Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)

Having these symptoms does not always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms. Those most at risk for developing flu-related complications are children under 2, the elderly, pregnant women, or people with chronic respiratory disease or who have weakened immune systems.

Flu prevention

Get vaccinated against the flu.
Stay home if you are sick with flu symptoms. Keep your children home if they are showing signs of illness. You should not return to work or school until 24 hours after a fever ends without the help of fever-reducing medicines.
Wash your hands frequently (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds).
Cough or sneeze into a tissue or a sleeve.

Find a Flu Shot

To locate a flu vaccine clinic near you, call the Pikes Peak United Way’s 2-1-1 information and referral hotline. Flu vaccine is also available for uninsured or underinsured individuals at El Paso County Public Health. For more information, visitwww.elpasocountyhealth.org.

Flu facts and myths

Although the flu vaccine is safe and offers the best protection currently available against the flu, common myths about the vaccine may keep some people from seeking this preventative tool. Visithttp://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/misconceptions.htmfor facts related to common flu vaccine misconceptions.