Flu Cases Spike In Colorado: Highest Rate Since 2014

ACROSS COLORADO -- A health alert issued by the Colorado Dept. of Health and the Environment said influenza cases have spiked statewide with 851 reported hospitalizations between Oct. 1-Dec. 28. This is three-to-four times higher than the number reported in previous years, and the most cases reported at this point in the season since 2014, which was Colorado’s most severe flu season, a statement from health officials said. There have been no pediatric deaths reported in Colorado, but there had been12 pediatric deaths nationwide, Centers for Disease Control reported.

The predominant strain this year is Influenza A (H3N2) viruses, which has been associated with more hospitalizations and deaths.

The flu is hitting older patients, with 32 outbreaks in long-term care and residential facilities reported statewide since Oct. 1, the health alert said. Symptoms for older patients are usually atypical, the report said. Many older patients don't get a fever, for example.

The CDPHE sent a CDC alert to medical facilities recommending antiviral drugs (such as Tamiflu) for at-risk populations such as hospitalized patients; persons in residential care facilities; children under age 5 (and especially those under age 2); adults age 65 years and older; pregnant women and those up to two weeks postpartum; and individuals with underlying health conditions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists healthy habits to undertake to try and prevent the flu. Those include:

1. Avoid close contact.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick.

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.

3. Cover your mouth and nose.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands.

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Additionally, the CDC offers three tips specifically to fight the flu, and that includes getting a flu shot for those who haven't done so yet. With cold temperatures lurking in Colorado the next week or so, these could be good tips to follow.

Image: With a temperature of 103.8, Asa Moore, 6, of Vivian, Louisiana is examined at the North Caddo Surgical and Medical Center for symptoms of Influenza December 12, 2003 in Vivian, Louisiana. Moore had not received a flu shot and the medical center was out of the vaccine. (Photo by Mario Villafuerte/Getty Images)