Nearly 60 people hospitalized with flu in Pueblo County

The Pueblo City-County Health Department says 57 people have been hospitalized with flu as of December 9, compared to only three hospitalizations at this time last year.

The health department urges everyone who hasn’t already received a flu shot to get one, despite recent reports that this year’s flu shot may be less effective than normal.

El Paso County is reporting 14 flu-related hospitalizations so far this year.

Pueblo flu by the numbers:

Last year: 75 hospitalized
2012: 32 hospitalized
2011: 9 hospitalized
2010: 34 hospitalized
2009: 64 hospitalized
2008: 18 hospitalized
2007: 52 hospitalized