Flu Cases Climb Early in El Paso County as Health Officials Sound Warning
Flu activity is increasing earlier than expected across El Paso County, prompting public health officials to encourage residents to take precautions as Colorado enters another respiratory illness season.
Influenza, COVID-19 and pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, are circulating locally, according to El Paso County Public Health. While respiratory illnesses typically become more common between October and May, health officials say flu activity is picking up sooner than usual this year.
Flu cases traditionally rise more significantly during December and January. This season's earlier increase has prompted renewed calls for residents to get vaccinated and take steps to reduce the spread of illness.
The warning comes as Colorado health officials confirm the state's first reported pediatric flu death of the 2026-27 respiratory virus season. The child was elementary-school-aged and lived outside the Denver metropolitan area, according to state health officials.
Colorado also experienced a particularly severe flu season last year, with 5,931 flu-related hospitalizations recorded during the 2025-26 season, the highest annual total since state tracking began in 2004.
Public health officials recommend an annual flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older. Vaccination is particularly important for people who face a greater risk of serious complications, including young children, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines are available through medical providers, pharmacies and El Paso County Public Health. Residents can contact their healthcare provider to determine which vaccines are appropriate for them.
In addition to vaccination, everyday precautions can help limit the spread of respiratory illnesses throughout the community. Health officials recommend washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, covering coughs and sneezes, disposing of used tissues properly and staying home when sick.
People experiencing symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea should avoid going to work, school or other public gatherings while ill. Anyone struggling to control a fever or drink enough fluids to remain hydrated should consider contacting a healthcare provider.
Although many otherwise healthy people recover from respiratory illnesses without serious complications, infections can be more dangerous for vulnerable populations and may lead to hospitalization or death.
As flu activity continues to increase, officials are encouraging residents to remain aware of symptoms, take preventive measures and consider how their health decisions affect others, particularly those at higher risk of severe illness.
Residents can also follow local disease trends through El Paso County Public Health's communicable disease dashboard, which provides weekly updates on respiratory illness hospitalizations and other diseases circulating in the community.
Comments