Here’s why this flu season is worse than last year
Colorado Public Radio••health
Key Points:
- Colorado is experiencing a severe flu season with sharply rising hospitalizations, especially among children, as reported by pediatrician Dr. Shen Nagel.
- Flu testing is widespread in hospitals and urgent care, but many cases are likely undercounted due to at-home testing and unreported mild cases.
- This year's flu vaccine is less well-matched to circulating strains, yet it remains important, potentially reducing hospitalization risk by 50 to 75 percent in vaccinated children.
- Colorado recorded its first pediatric flu death this season, with contributing factors including a more aggressive flu strain and declining vaccination rates influenced by conflicting government messaging.
- Currently, flu is causing more severe illness and hospitalizations than COVID-19 in Colorado, and public health advice
