Public Health Emerging Issues – October 3, 2019
NOW IS THE TIME TO GET A FLU VACCINE
- Three Colorado kids died last year from the flu.
- Influenza and Pneumonia is the 8th leading cause of death in the Nation.
- In Colorado, influenza and pneumonia were responsible for nearly 3,000 deaths between 2014-2018. 101 of those were among Mesa County residents.
- The unpredictable nature of influenza makes it challenging to interpret the severity of the upcoming season.
- Flu vaccines are safe. Last season more than 169 million doses of flu vaccine were distributed, the most ever, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Although we’re currently in flu season you can get sick with the flu any time of year.
- Between August 1 and September 25, 2019, 21 cases of influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported across Colorado. This is more than the number of cases reported during the same time period last year, but the levels are considered normal for the time of year.
- Additionally, there were reports of positive influenza A among residents of Mesa County in September. This is nearly two months earlier than the first positive lab reports during the 2018-19 flu season.
- The 2018-19 flu season resulted in 117 hospitalizations in Mesa County. Last season was longer but not as severe as the 2017-18 season where there were 232 hospitalizations.
- Get your flu shot where it is most convenient for you.
- Mesa County Public Health offers the flu vaccine to all patients regardless of ability to pay and has two upcoming clinics to help our community fight the flu. Both clinics will be held at the Community Services Building, located at 510 29 ½ Road.
- Tuesday, October 8th from 8 a.m. -1 p.m. (adult only)
- Saturday, October 19th from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. (all ages)
MCPH hosts upcoming flu clinics • Tuesday, October 8th from 8 a.m. -1 p.m. (adult only) • Saturday, October 19th from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. (all ages)
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