Wednesday, October 19, 2022 Pueblo, CO – Public health officials announced two adults were hospitalized with influenza (flu) in Pueblo County this past week. Public health tracks many infectious diseases, including flu and notifies the public of cases to protect themselves.
Public health only collects data on hospitalized flu cases. Flu data collection began on October 2, 2022. Data will be collected through May 2023.
“These two hospitalized flu cases tell us flu is in our community,” said Alicia Solis, program manager at the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment. “This is a reminder we can all protect ourselves from flu and other infectious illnesses when we stay up to date with vaccinations, wash our hands with soap and water frequently, disinfect surfaces, wear a mask when around others and stay home and away from others when you are feeling ill,” added Solis.
Flu cases dropped in Pueblo County and around the world from 2020 - 2022, likely due to prevention actions mentioned above such as social distancing and wearing face mask.
Below is a summary of past flu data in Pueblo County:
| Year | Total Cases of Hospitalized Flu Pueblo County |
|---|---|
| 2013-14 | 72 |
| 2014-15 | 143 |
| 2015-16 | 69 |
| 2016-17 | 169 |
| 2017-18 | 264 |
| 2018-19 | 156 |
| 2019-20 | 180 |
| 2020-21 | 0 |
| 2021-2022 | 16 |
Flu vaccine is available in Pueblo. Public Health encourages people to check with their health care provider or local pharmacy to get vaccinated. Everyone six months and older may get a flu shot. It takes about two weeks after vaccination to build up protection. The flu and COVID vaccines may be received at the same time.
You cannot get influenza from the vaccine. There is a chance you can get sick if you are near an ill person before or after receiving the vaccine while your body is building protection.
Common side effects from the flu shot include:
- Soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given
- Low-grade fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
While these symptoms may be bothersome, they are mild compared to having the flu.
When you feel flu like symptoms, contact your doctor. Flu symptoms may include:
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Fever* or feeling feverish/chills (Not everyone with flu will have a fever.)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Take three steps to prevent the flu:
1) Get your flu vaccine.
Visit your health care provider or pharmacy to get your flu vaccine. If you were vaccinated last flu season, you will need to be vaccinated again for this flu season.
2) Take everyday actions to stop the spread of germs.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue or a sleeve. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use a hand sanitizer containing 60% alcohol. In addition to washing hands, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will also reduce the spread of influenza; wear a face covering, physically distance, avoid crowds, increase ventilation indoors and wash your hands often.
3) Stay home if you are sick with flu symptoms.
Stay home (and keep children home) when sick. Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever ends without the help of fever-reducing medications. Call your health care provider within two days of on-set of symptoms to see if anti-viral drugs would be helpful. Follow the instructions for taking your medication as prescribed by your doctor.
For additional information about influenza prevention visit pueblohealth.org.
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