Flu confirmed in Pueblo

The Pueblo City-County Health Department says a child has been hospitalized with Influenza.

“This first hospitalized flu case confirms flu is in Pueblo,” said Jody Carrillo, director of the Disease Prevention and Emergency Preparedness Division at the Pueblo City-County Health Department. “It is important to get the flu vaccine as it takes two weeks after vaccination to protect an individual. Some children younger than nine years of age will need two doses, check with your physician,” Carrillo added.

Symptoms of the flu start suddenly and may include:

Fever
Headache Tiredness (can be extreme) Cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Body aches Chills and fatigue

The health department says the best ways to stop the spread of the flu include getting vaccinated, coughing or sneezing into a tissue or sleeve, washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your eyes , nose and mouth, and staying home when you are sick.