Colorado is experiencing a notable increase in flu cases and hospitalizations this season, which has been reported to exceed the last 15 years. According to the CDC, between 2024 and 2025, there have already been 24 million flu infections, over 300,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths, including 57 young individuals under 18.
In Mesa County, the rate of flu hospitalizations peaked at 10 per 100,000 people in early January. As of February 4, the number has decreased to just under six per 100,000, which aligns with the highest COVID-19 hospitalization rates recorded earlier in the season. Interestingly, flu hospitalizations began to rise only in December. Currently, both flu and COVID-19 are leading to roughly 55 hospitalizations each.
From February 5 to 12, hospitals in Colorado admitted nearly 380 flu patients—46 fewer than the previous week. However, the rate of positive flu tests has been on the rise, jumping from 0.7% in mid-October to nearly 25% by February 8.
While the best time for a flu shot is usually in mid to late October, it’s still a good idea to get vaccinated if the flu virus is present in the community. The CDC recommends anyone over six months old to get vaccinated, especially older adults. Vaccines significantly lower the chances of severe illness and hospitalization due to the flu.
You can find flu shots at the Mesa County Public Health Clinic, many pharmacies, and primary care clinics.
In related news, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, along with attorneys general from 21 states, has launched a lawsuit against funding cuts to medical research institutions. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently announced a 15% reduction in indirect cost reimbursements, which fund crucial research expenses, including laboratory costs and faculty salaries.
Weiser stated that this decision could severely harm Colorado’s research capabilities, impacting not just education but the economy as a whole. The NIH funding cuts would affect nearly $90 million in reimbursement across three major institutions in Colorado: Colorado State University, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and the University of Colorado Boulder.
The lawsuit claims these cuts violate the Administrative Procedure Act, which requires federal agencies to provide adequate notice and reasoning for such drastic changes. The suit targets the Trump administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the NIH as defendants.
Weiser emphasized that government agencies must act transparently and responsibly, ensuring no one is caught off guard by sudden funding changes.
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