So far this flu season, 97 people have been hospitalized with influenza and one person has died in Mesa County. That tops last year’s season total of 72 hospitalizations and no deaths.
Many of the hospitalizations have been either the very young or the very old, populations whose immune systems tend to be weak or less developed.
Also a factor in this year’s high number of hospitalizations is the vaccine’s ineffectiveness. Unfortunately, this year’s flu vaccine isn’t a good match for the strain of flu circulating. That said, officials are still recommending a flu shot for everyone 6 months and older. Some protection is better than none.
Other ways to stay healthy:
- Wash your hands often.
- Sanitize surfaces such as countertops and doorknobs often.
- Stay home from work or school when you’re sick.
- Eat healthy, exercise and get enough sleep.
Mesa County’s highest number of hospitalized flu cases came in 2009-2010 when H1N1 was circulating. That year, 117 people were hospitalized with influenza.
For more information on flu, go here.
Also, check out this video from NPR on how a flu virus invades your body.