Flu cases are surging across Colorado this season, with hospitalizations more than double what they were at this time last year. State health officials have already reported one pediatric flu-related death and caution that flu season is far from over.
Heart of the Rockies Medical Center (HRRMC) is seeing a significant increase locally. Infection Prevention Manager Tracy McConathy told Heart of the Rockies Radio News that since December 21, the hospital has admitted 12 patients with Influenza A. Of those patients, 10 were over the age of 65.
The emergency department recorded its first positive flu case of the season on November 21. Since then, 47 patients have tested positive for influenza in the ER alone. These figures do not include cases diagnosed in physician clinics.
The increase is especially notable when compared to last year. At this same point in the season, HRRMC had only two flu-related hospitalizations. During the entire flu season last year—from December through March—just 18 patients were hospitalized.
Health officials continue to encourage the public to take precautions and remind residents that it is not too late to receive an influenza vaccine.
