Flu hospitalizations increase in Mesa County following holiday season
by Diana Williams | Jan 5, 2018 | News

- Mesa County saw an increase in influenza hospitalizations following the holiday season.
- Twenty-six hospitalizations were reported during the 84-day period of Oct. 1, 2017 through Dec. 23, 2017. In the eleven day period of Dec. 24, 2017 through Jan. 4, 2018, 49 hospitalizations were reported.
- Data from local health care facilities show the percentage of visits for influenza-like illness have increased during that same time period.
- Residents older than 65 years of age are most affected totaling 68 percent of hospitalized cases.
- No deaths due to influenza have been reported so far this season in Mesa County.
- The best way to protect against influenza is to get immunized.
- Flu season runs through May, so it isn’t too late to get immunized.
- Immunization also lessens the severity of symptoms should a person get sick with influenza.
- Good handwashing and staying home when you’re sick will also help prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
- Mesa County Public Health offers influenza immunization to all residents regardless of ability to pay. Call 248-6900 to make an appointment or contact your health care provider.