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Mesa County Health

Influenza Hospitalizations Increase in Mesa County

by | Dec 31, 2019 | News

INFLUENZA HOSPITALIZATIONS INCREASE IN MESA COUNTY, THERE’S STILL TIME TO GET A FLU SHOT

Mesa County Public Health’s Flu-View meter has moved, which indicates increased flu activity. Nationally, the past two seasons have been the worst in terms of flu cases and complications, in the past decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says an estimated 37 million to 43 million Americans had the flu last season, resulting in as many as 647,000 hospitalizations and as many as 61,200 deaths.

  • There have been 16 influenza-associated hospitalizations in Mesa County so far this season. While this is a significant increase from the previous week, hospitalizations remain similar to the last season. 
    • During the 2018-2019 season, there were 17 hospitalizations due to influenza at this same period (week 52).
    • However, during the severe 2017-2018 flu season, there were 52 hospitalizations due to influenza at this point in the season (week 52).
  • The flu vaccine is your best protection from influenza.
    • Getting a flu shot doesn’t guarantee you won’t get the flu, but your chances of severe complications are significantly reduced if you’ve received the vaccine. 
    • It’s never too late to benefit from a flu shot; even in January.
      • The vaccine takes two weeks to be fully effective, so getting your vaccine now will ensure you’re protected during the weeks of the highest activity, historically in January and February.
    • Our clinic, located at 510 29 ½ Road, has vaccine available. Clinic hours are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointment needed.
  • Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to complications from influenza.
    • According to a CDC report, about 1 in 10 women (ages 15-44) are pregnant each flu season, but pregnant women accounted for 1 in every 3 or 4 people hospitalized with the flu over the past seven flu seasons.
    • That same report found only 54% of pregnant women reported getting a flu shot.

Public health recommendations 

  • A flu shot is the first step to prevent influenza but you should also:
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Cover your mouth and nose.
    • Clean your hands frequently, and use soap and water whenever possible.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

You can monitor real-time flu data by visiting this page.