An Alphabet Soup Of Letters And Numbers Spells Trouble This Flu Season

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Photo: AC Rough Flu Season
State officials say flu shots can help decrease the severity of the illness.

State officials say this flu season, which began in October and runs through late May, is one of the worst in Colorado history. In that time, more than 2,300 people have been hospitalized. In addition, there has been one confirmed death of a child in El Paso County and another in Larimer County is awaiting confirmation.

State epidemiologist Rachel Herlihy spoke to Colorado Matters about why this season's outbreak has been so bad. Herlihy points out that this year's virus, the H3N2, is often more resistant to the flu vaccine that you may have taken this season. She adds that it's not too late to get a flu shot and suggests ways that people can help fight the bug.