It’s peak season for Colorado Influenza

It’s peak season for Colorado Influenza (Flu)

With the flu hitting it’s peak this flu season, Colorado hospitals are seeing close to record highs of flu patients. As of mid February, the total number of Coloradans hospitalized with influenza this 2017-18 season is 3,306, according to the state Department of Public Health and Environment. The state record for influenza hospitalizations came in the 2014-15 season, with 3,397.

What’s going on with the flu strains?

The predominant strain of flu that doctors are seeing, in Colorado and across the country, is a type of Influenza A called H3N2. The strain is associated with a higher number of hospitalizations, especially for older adults.

Particularly hard-hit areas in Colorado include Pueblo and Huerfano counties, the San Luis Valley and Western Slope counties of Mesa, Rio Blanco and Delta, according to the latest data. Flu in Colorado has hit the 65-plus age group the hardest, with 1,898 hospitalizations.

What can you do with this information?

Get your flu shot! Just because it’s at it is peak season,doesn’t mean it’s over. It’s far from over. It’s not too late to get your flu shot.

Make an appointment today to get your flu shot. It could keep you out of the hospital and even save your life.