Flu activity is rising in Mesa County, with a sharp increase in hospitalizations and outbreaks that could impact workplaces to start the new year.

From Oct. 1 until the time this column was written on Dec. 31, there have been 73 flu-related hospitalizations, and 71 of these hospitalizations occurred since the beginning of December.

“We have seen a substantial jump in flu hospitalizations recently,” said Kathleen Satterfield, epidemiologist supervisor at Mesa County Public Health. “With more gatherings and travel during the holidays, businesses may see increased absenteeism. Taking preventive steps now can help protect employees, maintain operations and reduce the spread of illness, especially among workers who may be at higher risk, such as older adults and those with weakened immune systems.”

Mesa County Public Health’s Disease Surveillance Team monitors flu-related hospitalizations to understand illness severity and potential strain on the community. Mesa County Public Health has also investigated 12 respiratory illness outbreaks since Dec. 9, compared to none at this time last year.

Many of these outbreaks have occurred in congregate settings, where people spend extended time together in close proximity, highlighting the importance of prevention measures in shared environments.

Employees should monitor for flu symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, body aches and headache. We encourage everyone to seek testing or medical guidance from your doctor if symptoms develop.

It is not too late to get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is safe and effective, and it takes about two weeks after vaccination for immunity to develop. Annual vaccination helps protect against the most current strains of the virus and can reduce the severity of illness if infection occurs.

The Mesa County Public Health Clinic offers flu vaccines for insured and uninsured patients, including high-dose influenza vaccine for adults 65 and older and standard influenza vaccine for anyone six months and older. Call 970-248-6906 to schedule an appointment.

Mesa County Public Health encourages employers to support other prevention efforts by reinforcing stay-home-when-sick policies and encouraging good hygiene practices in the workplace. Simple actions such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes and regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces with bleach-based products can significantly reduce transmission.

These steps not only help maintain a healthy workforce, but also protect the most vulnerable members of our community, including older adults, young children and those with weakened immune systems.

Sarah Gray is a communication specialist with Mesa County Public Health. For additional information, call (970) 248-6900 or visit mesacounty.us/public-health.