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 719-687-6416.