DENVER – The 2017-2018 flu season in Colorado is still breaking records as flu-related hospitalizations continue to rise across the state.
An additional 88 hospitalizations due to the flu were reported during the week ending on Saturday, Feb. 24, according to the most recent data from the Colorado Department of Health and Environment.
The newest report brings the total number of flu-related hospitalizations to 3,690 – the most Colorado has ever seen during a single season.
The CDPHE also reports there have been a total of 156 outbreaks of the flu in Colorado, the highest number of influenza-related outbreaks ever recorded.
People 65 years of age or older have been hospitalized for the flu more than any other age group in Colorado. But children under the age of 6 months continue to be the group with the second-highest rate of incidence of the flu, with 110 cases per 100,000 people.
Counties with the highest concentration of flu cases include Rio Blanco, Mesa, Delta, Saguache, Rio Grande, Conejos, Alamosa, Huerfano and Pueblo.
The number of flu hospitalizations statewide peaked at the end of December and has been declining in the weeks since. The flu season typically starts in October and lasts through May.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded a total of 21,279 flu-related hospitalizations since Oct. 1.
The majority of hospitalizations have been the result of the H3N2 flu strain, which often leads to more severe symptoms and hospitalizations.
Though the flu shot has been less effective this year than in years past, health officials still urge people to protect themselves and others by getting vaccinated.
One child has died in the state of Colorado because of the flu this season.
