Name: Colorado flu hospitalizations surge to record levels
Uploaded: 2026-01-05T15:44:56.239Z
Duration: 2 min 21 s
Description: Nearly 2,500 people have been hospitalized with influenza in Colorado since October, and recent holiday celebrations are now causing an even bigger increase.

Nearly 2,500 people have been hospitalized with influenza in Colorado since October, and recent holiday celebrations are now causing an even bigger increase.

Denver

Colorado has experienced a significant increase in flu-related hospitalizations, with nearly 2,500 people admitted since October. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 791 hospitalizations during Christmas week alone, marking the highest weekly total since records began in 2004. 

Doctors attribute the surge to early onset of the flu season and increased gatherings and travel during the holidays. The current flu vaccine is about 40% effective, but health experts emphasize it still reduces the severity and duration of illness. Officials urge vulnerable populations, such as the immunosuppressed and those with chronic conditions, to remain vigilant as the season continues.

Colorado flu hospitalizations surge to record levels

In your health tonight, flu cases are spiking across Colorado, and the holidays may have made things worse. Denver 7's Sofia Villalba breaks down what doctors here are seeing and what you can do to stay safe and healthy as flu season sniffles on. Nearly 2,500 people have been hospitalized with influenza since October, and now recent holiday celebrations have now added to that, causing an even bigger increase. 791. That's the number of flu-related hospitalizations during Christmas week alone, a record since the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment began tracking flu hospitalizations back in 2004. It's always worse around the holidays just because people are traveling and getting on planes, seeing families. Flu season started four weeks earlier than normal this year, something that's been hard to miss for some Coloradans, especially after the holidays. I think because more people are gathering, but yes, I do see an increase typically. With more people coming in with the flu, Dr. Chris Post with Advent Health Parker says that's been impacting hospital staff too. We've had a lot of staff that have been out in the last couple of weeks. Dr. Post says in addition, this year's flu strain is different. What they're seeing is that the symptoms are probably just a little bit longer than previous flu years. Which means this year's flu vaccine can be less effective. It's somewhere around that 40% range. However, even with that, it still prevents you from getting sick 40% of the time. Though despite that, experts say it can and will still help. It helps sort of mitigate the symptoms so it's not as severe, the duration's not as long. And while it's not something every Coloradan gets... I personally don't get the flu shot because I get sick normally regardless. It is a part of some's yearly routine. I do get the flu shot and I make my kids get the flu shot too. According to CDPHE, there's already been one pediatric death from the flu this season. Dr. Post says that with three months still left in the season, it's especially important for the most vulnerable communities to stay alert and take precautions. What there are is a subgroup of folks that are immune suppressed or have bad diabetes or whatnot that are actually very susceptible to bad things happening. CDPHE tells me the vaccine is still effective in helping where it matters most, stopping hospital visits in about three quarters of kids and one third in adults. In Denver, Sofia Villalba, Denver 7.

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