By Pamela Dickman Loveland Reporter-Herald
LARIMER COUNTY - Health officials urge residents to get their flu shots, reminding that the yearly influenza season is not over.
February is typically a peak month in reported hospitalizations and reports of flu-like symptoms, and this year is no exception, according to the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.
"It looks like that's what's happening this year since we're starting to see a definite rise in flu activity," Susanne Murray, communicable disease nurse, said in a press release.
Larimer County reports 10 confirmed hospitalizations since Oct. 2 including one that resulted in the death of an elderly Loveland woman. Two hospitalizations occurred this week.
State reports, available through Saturday (Feb. 11), reveal 137 total including 28 new reports that week up from 16 the prior week that ended Feb. 4.
The numbers, however, do not paint a real picture as doctors are not required to report all cases to the health department and some may go untreated. Only lab-confirmed hospital cases are included in the tally.
With the flu in high season, residents should get vaccinated if they already have not. Shots are available through their doctors, at several area pharmacies and at Larimer County immunization clinics.
The Loveland clinic, 205 E. Sixth St., is open for walk-ins 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays, except for the first Wednesday of the month, and 9 a.m. to noon Fridays. More information is available at 679-4580.
The Fort Collins clinic, 1525 Blue Spruce Drive, is available for walk-ins 9 a.m. to noon and 1-3:30 p.m. Mondays, 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m. to noon Fridays. More information is available at 498-6700.
In Esters Park, the clinic is open for walk-ins 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays except for the first Wednesday of each month. It is located at 1601 Brodie Avenue and can be reached at 577-2050.
In addition to flu shots, health officials recommend adults ask for a Tdap booster to strengthen immunity to whooping cough, another illness on the rise in Larimer County. The Tdap booster covers Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.
