State Reports First Hospitalization of the 2008-2009 Flu Season
El Paso County Infant Is Recovering at Home
DENVER - An El Paso County infant was the first person in the state to
be hospitalized with influenza in the new flu season, the Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment confirmed today. The infant
was released and now is recovering at home.
The Department of Public Health and Environment tracks influenza
activity through flu-related hospitalizations, rather than tracking all
positive flu tests. During the 2007-2008 flu season, the state’s first
flu-related hospitalization was reported on Nov.12, and the number of
flu-related hospitalizations peaked at 134 during the week of Feb.18.
“This first hospitalization reminds us that flu is a serious illness
that deserves our attention,” said Ned Calonge, chief medical officer at
the department. “Fortunately, there is still time to get your flu
vaccination, and there is plenty of vaccine available.”
Vaccine manufacturers are projecting that as many as 146 million doses
of influenza vaccine will be available for use in the United States this
season. This is an all-time high supply of vaccine, making it possible
for more people than ever to seek protection from the flu.
In addition to being vaccinated, residents also can protect themselves
from colds and the flu by washing their hands frequently during flu
season and by avoiding people who are sick due to colds or flu.
To better protect the public, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention now is recommending that all eligible children ages 6 months
through 18 years receive the influenza vaccine. Prior to this season,
the recommendation was for ages 6 months to 6 years. Immunizing more
children against the flu better protects the entire community against an
outbreak of flu. By preventing these children from getting sick, family
members also are protected, as well as other people the children come in
contact with on a daily basis.
Every year in the United States, about 5-20 percent of the population
gets the flu, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu
complications and about 36,000 people die from influenza. Some people,
such as older people, young children and people with certain health
conditions, are at higher risk for serious flu complications.
For flu vaccine clinic information, visit
www.immunizecolorado.com or
call 1-877-462-2911.
---30---
State of Colorado,
Department
Home
|
