Northern Colorado Sees Rise in Flu Cases
This year's flu season is claiming the health of a rising number of residents in Larimer County and across Colorado.
According to a news release from Larimer County's Health & Environment department, the predominant type of influence in our community is A(H3N2), which is showing to be more severe in older adults (median age hospitalized is 58). Six nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Larimer County have been affected and some hospital systems are even restricting visitors due to the outbreak.
The release also states that 26 county residents have been hospitalized with influenza so far this season (21 of which were hospitalized in the past 10 days alone), and visits to physician offices for respiratory symptoms are also increasing.
Despite the fact that influenza seems to be affecting older adults more so this season, Larimer County Health Director Dr. Adrienne LeBailly stresses that people of any age can pick up the virus and recommends that anyone over 6 months of age get vaccinated.
This year's vaccination is reportedly expected to be a good match for the current flu virus (vaccinations are altered year after year to find the best match for preventing influenza).