Flu activity increases early in Colorado following record-breaking season, state officials say

STATEWIDE, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) says flu activity in Colorado is increasing earlier this year.

They say last year was a record-breaking flu season with high numbers of hospitalizations and the most severe flu season to date. CDPHE says during last year's respiratory virus season, almost 6,000 flu-related hospitalizations were recorded, the most since the state started tracking in 2004.

Of those almost 6,000 hospitalizations, CDPHE says around 1,169 were children, with eight children in the state dying from the flu.

“Last year’s record hospitalizations were a sobering reminder of how serious the flu can be, especially for young children,” Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist and deputy chief medical officer said in a press release. “With flu activity in the state picking up, parents have a critical window right now to protect their families before virus transmission surges. Getting vaccinated is the single most effective way to prevent severe illness and keep children out of the hospital.”

Because of that, CDPHE is urging residents to get vaccinated against the flu early. They say hospitals in the state are already reporting a higher number of positive flu tests and flu-related hospital visits. They say early vaccination is especially important for anyone with underlying health conditions, younger children and older adults.

CDPHE says it tracks flu and other respiratory illnesses year-round. Those numbers can be found on the CDPHE dashboard for viral respiratory diseases.

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