Colorado reports rising influenza hospitalizations and COVID-19 activity

Influenza activity is rising in Colorado, according to data from the state health department. While overall respiratory illness activity remains low, state epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy reported a steep increase in indicators including percent positivity, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations.

Weekly flu hospitalizations reached 46 in the most recent reporting period, marking a consistent weekly increase since late August, when only one hospitalization was recorded. This follows a severe previous season in Colorado that saw over 5,900 hospitalizations, including nearly 1,200 children.

In addition to the rise in influenza, COVID-19 levels are showing increasing trends in the state’s wastewater surveillance data. Health officials recommend vaccination, noting that the current circulating influenza strain matches the one used for this season’s vaccines, which may enhance effectiveness.