Key Takeaways

• Colorado’s hospitals saw the highest flu hospitalizations in 20 years.
• Doctor visits for flu-like symptoms hit a 30-year peak.
• This record flu season spreads fast and brings severe symptoms.
• Children and older adults face the biggest risks.
• A flu shot can still reduce illness severity and hospital stays.

An Overview of the Record Flu Season in Colorado

Colorado is in the grip of a record flu season. In the week ending December 27, 2025, hospitals admitted 831 flu patients. That is the highest number since Colorado began tracking cases two decades ago. The next week saw 737 flu hospitalizations, which still topped any prior year. According to national data, doctor visits for flu-like symptoms reached a 30-year high. Emergency rooms across the state have filled rapidly, especially over the holidays.

Why This Record Flu Season Is So Severe
This year’s flu came on fast. It spreads more easily than recent strains. Normally, flu causes fever, body aches, and a cough. Yet this strain also triggers vomiting and diarrhea. As a result, people feel far worse. When patients feel miserable, they head to the emergency department for help.

Emergency doctors describe two main groups of flu patients right now. First, healthy people who seek relief from severe symptoms. Second, patients with conditions like asthma, heart disease, or weakened immune systems. These folks often need oxygen or a hospital stay. The mix of very sick healthy people and high-risk patients has strained the health care system.

Age Groups Most Affected in This Record Flu Season

Children ages 5 to 17 are visiting emergency rooms more than ever before. While most kids have milder cases, 17 children have died from flu this season in the U.S. Eight of those deaths happened in a single week. That death toll is unusually high at this point in winter.

Young adults in their 20s feel very sick, yet they rarely need a hospital. On the other hand, people with chronic issues like diabetes, obesity, or lung disease face complications. For them, the flu can set off a cascade of problems. Older adults also face higher risks. They often need oxygen or a longer hospital stay.

Why You Should Still Get the Flu Shot

Even in a record flu season, it’s not too late to get vaccinated. A yearly flu shot may not stop every infection, but it can lessen symptoms. Moreover, it cuts the chance of severe complications and hospital stays. People with heart disease, diabetes, or other health issues especially benefit. The vaccine supports your body in fighting off severe illness.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If you struggle to breathe, feel intense chest pain, or have an odd headache, you should go to the emergency room right away. Emergency departments are available 24/7 to help with severe signs.

On the other hand, if you have mild symptoms—like a low fever, body aches, cough, or diarrhea—you can often stay home. In those cases, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and let time do its work. Without serious trouble, you usually do not need a hospital visit.

Testing, Wastewater Surveillance, and Home Care

Many people wonder if they should test for flu, COVID-19, or RSV. If you are young and healthy with mild signs, testing won’t change your care. Doctors still recommend rest, fluids, and over-the-counter meds.

At the community level, Colorado uses wastewater surveillance to track viruses. Since everyone produces wastewater, testing it shows which infections are most common. Right now, wastewater in Colorado shows high flu levels and low RSV or COVID-19. This method helps public health officials spot trends early.

Remember, good hand washing, mask wearing in crowded spaces, and staying home when sick all help limit the spread. Reducing virus spread keeps hospitals from becoming even more crowded.

How to Protect Yourself During a Record Flu Season
• Get your flu shot as soon as possible.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Stay home if you feel unwell.

When to Call Your Doctor

If you have a chronic condition and start feeling worse, don’t wait. Call your primary care doctor for advice. They may suggest early treatment or closer monitoring. This step can prevent complications and keep you out of the hospital.

Looking Ahead

While this record flu season has hit hard, it may ease in the coming weeks. Flu seasons usually wind down by February. Yet doctors warn that the next wave of cases could still emerge. Staying vigilant with hygiene and vaccination remains key.

FAQs

Why has this flu season been called a record flu season?

Hospitals in Colorado have seen the most flu hospitalizations in 20 years. Nationally, doctor visits for flu-like illness reached a 30-year high. These numbers make it a record flu season.

Can I still get the flu shot if I never had one this winter?

Yes. It’s not too late. The flu shot can still reduce your symptom severity and cut your risk of hospitalization.

Are children at higher risk in this record flu season?

Emergency visits for kids ages 5 to 17 have surged. While most recover at home, 17 children have died from the flu so far. Parents should watch young ones closely and seek care if severe signs appear.

Should healthy adults worry about getting severe flu symptoms?

Healthy adults may feel very sick with this flu strain, but serious complications are rare in that group. Still, rest and home care are important, and you should consider vaccination if you haven’t yet.