Larimer County flu hospitalizations higher than at this point in past years, health officials say

Flu activity is rising earlier this year than in recent seasons, and flu-related hospitalizations are higher than they were at this point in previous years, the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment said.

The department, known as LCDHE, is encouraging residents to take steps now to protect themselves and their families from influenza (flu), COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. "Seeing flu activity and hospitalizations increase this early in the season is a powerful reminder that now is the time to take steps to protect yourself and the people around you," said Paul Mayer, the department's medical officer.

LCDHE encourages residents to stay up to date on recommended vaccines and to talk with a healthcare provider or pharmacist about which ones are recommended for them. The department said flu and COVID-19 vaccines can reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and complications.

Older adults, young children, pregnant people and people with certain underlying health conditions are more likely to experience serious complications from respiratory illnesses. LCDHE advises people at higher risk of severe illness to contact a healthcare provider promptly if they become sick, because flu and COVID-19 treatments work best when started soon after symptoms begin.

The department also encourages residents to stay home when sick, to allow time to recover and help avoid spreading illness to coworkers, classmates, friends and family. It encourages residents to consider testing when sick, because knowing whether they have COVID-19 or another respiratory illness can help them make decisions about treatment and protecting others.

LCDHE recommends improving indoor air when possible by opening windows, using air filtration or gathering outdoors. It recommends considering a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor spaces or when respiratory illnesses are circulating at high levels, particularly for people at higher risk of severe illness or those spending time with them. It also recommends washing hands regularly and covering coughs and sneezes.

Residents can follow local trends in influenza, RSV and COVID-19 through LCDHE's Respiratory Viruses Dashboard at larimer.gov/illness-trends. More information about respiratory illnesses, vaccination and ways to stay healthy this season is at larimer.gov/stayhealthy.