ALAMOSA — It’s been a rough flu season this year with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reporting that the number of cases is higher than it has been in the past 15 years.  And Colorado is no exception. 

A weekly map posted on the CDC website shows that Colorado is hovering between “high” and “very high” number of cases with surrounding states faring no better. Nebraska and Texas are two of the eight states reporting more flu activity than anywhere else, and Kansas is in shape similar to Colorado. Wyoming and Utah report having moderate flu activity.  

Experts say that although there is concern about Respiratory Syncytial V (RSV) and the norovirus, the unusually high rate of influenza is where most health officials are focusing their efforts. 

The situation in Alamosa is much like everywhere else.  

“We are continuing to see an increase in Influenza and RSV,” says Jody Kern, director of Alamosa County Public Health Department. “The state of Colorado is also seeing an increase in hospitalizations for both Influenza and RSV. The waste water surveillance data is also showing that Covid-19 is still present in our community.” 

When asked about the spread of the norovirus, Kern said, “Norovirus is not reportable to us unless it is in a high risk setting like a nursing facility or a child care facility, and we are not aware of this at this time.” 

The Valley Courier reached out to SLV Health for an update on their influenza admissions and, according to Director of Communications Donna Wehe, “We’ve seen quite a bit but it has not affected access or the quality of care, so we’re doing find managing what’s coming in.” She went on to add, “The average length of stay is about three days.” 

In regard to information Wehe obtained from SLV Regional Medical Center’s lab, “The flu A numbers are extremely high and the flu B numbers are moderate to low. We think we peaked a few weeks ago. We’re not sure, but it has gone down.”  

Vaccines are proven to be effective in reducing the risk of becoming infected with influenza, RSV or Covid and local pharmacies in the area report having plenty of vaccines on hand. 

“Alamosa County Public Health continue to offer vaccines for Influenza, RSV and Covid,” Kern said. “They are offered every Tuesday from 1-4:30 p.m. with no appointment necessary as well as other times by appointment.  Most insurance is accepted, or people may self-pay.” 

As is standard protocol, if a person is feeling sick, they should stay at home to keep from infecting others.