Flu Cases on the Rise in Colorado

Denver Health Infectious Disease Doctors Say It's Not Too Late to Get A Flu Shot

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning that Colorado is among the states with the highest flu activity in the country. Since October, more than 590 people across the state have been hospitalized with flu symptoms. Denver Health has seen more than 500 cases of influenza so far this season, the majority in pediatric patients. In about a quarter of those cases, the patients had to be admitted to the hospital. Last season at this time, we had treated about 230 flu cases. 

All of the flu cases seen at Denver Health have been Influenza A, and most are the H1N1 strain. That strain is covered for anyone who got a flu shot this season. The CDC said the vaccine seems to be a good match for influenza viruses currently circulating.

Denver Health Infectious Disease doctors said now is not too late to get the flu shot. The CDC expects flu activity to hit its peak in Colorado around February. They also recommend people regularly wash their hands to prevent the spread of the infection.

 

Still worried about getting a flu shot? See the top five flu shot myths and facts.