Mesa County Public Health said in a Dec. 22 news release that flu activity in the county increased significantly in mid-December.

Since Oct. 1, there have been 36 flu-related hospitalizations, and during the same period in 2024, there were 12 flu hospitalizations, the news release said. Mesa County Public Health has investigated nine respiratory-illness outbreaks since Dec. 9. At this point last year, no outbreaks had been reported.

These outbreaks are impacting congregate settings, places where many people spend extended time together in close proximity, such as a school or nursing home.

“We have seen a substantial jump in flu hospitalizations recently. While flu is a seasonal virus and patterns can vary from year to year, the upcoming holidays mean more gatherings and more opportunities for spread. Taking preventive steps now is especially important to help protect the most vulnerable in our community, including young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems,” said Will Rausch, epidemiologist at Mesa County Public Health.

Rausch added, “We always recommend the flu vaccine, as it’s safe and effective in protecting yourself and others. Simple steps like staying home when sick and washing hands also reduces the spread and helps keep our community healthy.”

Mesa County Public Health said it’s not too late to get a flu shot. After vaccination, it takes about two weeks for the body to develop an immune response.

Mesa County’s vaccine specialists are available to answer questions and help people decide what vaccines are right for them. The Mesa County Public Health Clinic currently offers high-dose influenza vaccine for adults 65 and older and standard influenza vaccine for anyone six months and older.

Call 970-248-6906 to make an appointment. Influenza vaccines are available for both insured and uninsured patients.

The health department recommends the following preventive practices: staying home when sick; washing hands often; staying up to date on vaccines; covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing; and cleaning frequently touched surfaces, first with soap and water and then a bleach-based disinfectant to effectively kill the flu virus.