Watch Out: The Flu is on the Rise in Colorado

For quite some time now, the main culprit for illness here in Colorado was from catching COVID.

Symptoms have gotten worse over time, and back in November, there was an uptick in the number of cases being reported. 

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Recently, a different virus has been floating around that we’re all too familiar with; the flu. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the wave of influenza that has been spreading across Colorado over the last few months. 

The Flu Has Been Sweeping Through Colorado Since January

Over this past month, many people have gotten sick in Colorado. 

Maybe you got sick yourself, or maybe your coworker got taken out by a mysterious virus. 

If this happened to you, you may have noticed a trend; everyone tested negative for COVID. 

However, looking at data provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it becomes quite clear that this mystery bug was in fact the flu. 

Looking at the CDC’s FluView Weekly Map, Colorado has a particularly high influenza-like illness activity level (ILI). In fact, it is teetering on becoming one of the worst in the entire state. 

To clarify, ILI data is collected from outpatient health care providers who report patients as having flu-like symptoms. 

What to Do if You Are Experiencing Flu-Like Symptoms

First of all, it’s good to know what the symptoms of influenza are.

You’ll likely be experiencing what you’d get from a common cold, only it is much more pronounced and amplified. 

You will definitely have a fever, cough, and a sore throat. You can also have a runny nose, muscle pains, headaches, and fatigue. 

It is possible you could have bouts of digestive issues, but it is not common in adults. 

If you’re feeling these symptoms, go see a doctor, who can give you treatment or even antiviral drugs. 

If you’re trying to prevent yourself from getting the flu, make sure to wash your hands often, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, and avoid contact with those that are sick.