Spike In Serious Flu Cases In Larimer County Indicates Statewide Trend
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) - In Larimer County 23 people have been hospitalized with influenza since October, marking what health officials call a huge spike in serious illness caused by the virus.
"We think that this could be a little bit worse year than we see in another year where the other A or some B strains are circulating," said Dr. Adrienne LeBailly, Larimer County Department Of Health and Environment Director.
LeBailly said hospitals around Colorado are experiencing similar trends as a more dangerous and less common strain called H3N2 circulates.
"What that means is that you may not get quite as good protection from the vaccine as you would if it's a perfect match, but it also means you still will get some," she said.
Even if this year's vaccine is not a perfect match, LeBailly says it's still worth getting.
Centennial High School in Fort Collins resumed classes on Monday after canceling Friday when nearly half of its students and teachers reported having stomach or respiratory symptoms.
While the health department has not confirmed any flu cases at the school, they say closing for the day was the right move.
"You have a nice culture here of taking care of and caring about people. I thought it was a good move, a lot of people were suffering," Principal Mike Roberts said.
H3N2 tends to affect elderly people more seriously, putting them at the highest risk of being hospitalized or even death. So health officials encourage older people with flu symptoms to see their doctor right away.
