Colorado joins most of the nation in a continuing surge of influenza cases, the state Department of Public Health and Environment said Tuesday.
Two more pediatric deaths from flu were reported to the state, one in Denver and one in El Paso County, making a total of four child deaths this season. Statewide, flu has sent 674 people to hospitalization this season, in 36 counties.
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The state re-emphasized the need for widespread immunization, particularly for those vulnerable to spreading the illness in health care settings, with children and in nursing homes.
State health director Dr. Chris Urbina also said patients do not need to wait to get a positive flu test result back before seeking antivirals like Tamiflu that can ease the illness.
“While the timing of influenza seasons is impossible to predict, based on past experience it’s likely that flu activity will continue for some time,” Urbina said.
Michael Booth: 303-954-1686, mbooth@denverpost.com or twitter.com/mboothdp
