A Mesa County resident last week was
hospitalized for complications from influenza. Lab results today confirmed the
flu virus. It is the first hospitalized influenza case in Mesa County this
season.
hospitalized for complications from influenza. Lab results today confirmed the
flu virus. It is the first hospitalized influenza case in Mesa County this
season.
This means it’s time to get your flu shot if you haven’t yet done so. Flu is here, but it’s not too late to protect yourself. It’s especially important to get vaccinated before the holidays when flu cases typically increase.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness
characterized by fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, fatigue, body
aches and headaches.
characterized by fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, fatigue, body
aches and headaches.
Only cases of patients whose influenza causes
them to be hospitalized are reportable to the Colorado Department of PublicHealth and Environment.
them to be hospitalized are reportable to the Colorado Department of PublicHealth and Environment.
Statewide, as of Nov. 15, 14 people had been
hospitalized with influenza, according to CDPHE. That total does not include
Mesa County’s case or other cases across the state since Nov. 15.
hospitalized with influenza, according to CDPHE. That total does not include
Mesa County’s case or other cases across the state since Nov. 15.
Getting an annual flu shot is the best way to
prevent influenza. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the seasonal flu
vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.
prevent influenza. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the seasonal flu
vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.
Also follow these tips to stay healthy:
- Stay home from
work or school if you’re sick. - Cough and sneeze
into a tissue or your elbow, not your hand. - Wash your hands
frequently. - Avoid touching
your eyes, nose or mouth - Sanitize
surfaces often. - Avoid close
contact with family members or others who are sick.
In the United States, influenza season usually begins in October
and can last until May.
and can last until May.
Flu shots are available at doctor’s offices, pharmacies and the Mesa County Health Department, 510 29 1/2 Road.