Health

La Plata County sees holiday uptick in flu hospitalizations


It is respiratory disease season, and La Plata County experienced an increase in flu hospitalizations over the holidays. This uptick serves as a reminder that it is not too late to get a vaccine. There have been four influenza-associated hospitalizations since Dec. 22 and five total since Oct. 2024. For comparison, La Plata County saw a total of nine flu hospitalizations for the 2023-2024 season which runs from October to May. 

Though most choose to get immunized in the fall, getting a flu vaccine now will still provide protections against the illness. Immunizations, good hygiene and staying home when you’re sick will also help prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory diseases including RSV and COVID-19. 

Flu can cause mild to severe illnesses. Serious problems related to the flu can happen at any age, but some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications. This includes infants, children under the age of five, adults 65 and older, pregnant people, and those with certain chronic health conditions. 

More information and a data dashboard that tracks respiratory diseases in La Plata County can be found at www.lpcgov.org/communicabledisease. Vaccination appointments with the Health Department can be made by calling 970-247-5702. 

For more information, please contact Todd Macon at tmacon@lpcgov.org or (970) 828-8844. 

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