The 2021-2022 influenza (flu) season officially began in early October and ends in late May. Typically, Mesa County experiences its peak flu activity from mid-February to late April. Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) recorded more flu activity than the 2020-2021 season, but flu and flu-like illness, as well as hospitalizations due to flu, are minimal.
Eleven Mesa County residents have been hospitalized with flu during the 2021-2022 season so far. Statewide, 890 flu-related hospitalizations have been recorded, and no pediatric deaths have occurred.
Last season (2020-2021), there were no flu-related hospitalizations or deaths in Mesa County. Across the state, 34 flu-related hospitalizations were recorded, and no pediatric deaths.
During the record 2017-2018 season, 232 people in Mesa County were hospitalized with the flu.
CUMULATIVE FLU HOSPITALIZATION BY SEASON
MCPH attributes the lack of activity in the 2020-2021 season to social distancing and mask-wearing measures put in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. “Since both viruses are spread through respiratory droplets, the measures also helped stop the spread of flu,” said Jeremy Lozano, Regional Epidemiologist for Mesa County.
With more relaxed measures this year, MCPH expected flu activity to increase. Because COVID-19, specifically the Omicron wave, continued to spread in 2021 and 2022, many people chose to continue implementing social distancing and mask-wearing measures. “Continued community action to slow the spread of COVID-19 likely contributed to the continued decrease in flu activity,” Lozano added.
Everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine, especially those who are at higher risk of serious complications due to flu.
For a more in-depth look at flu data, visit the Flu-View page on our website.