Local respiratory illness data now available, smart prevention is key ahead of peak season

With the respiratory illness season just getting underway, Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) is urging residents to take proactive prevention measures to keep themselves and the community healthy. 

Statewide data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) shows flu activity increasing across the state early this year. CDPHE reports Colorado hospitals are already reporting a growing number of positive flu tests and flu-related hospitalizations.

In Mesa County, respiratory illness activity typically increases from October through March, with peak activity between December and February. To keep residents informed, MCPH’s Disease Surveillance Team publishes hospitalization updates every other week for COVID-19, influenza (flu), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) on our website and social media channels through March 2027. All three illnesses cause hospitalizations in our community every year.

“Instead of tracking every positive case, we focus specifically on hospitalizations. This approach gives us the clearest picture of disease severity and overall impact on the local healthcare system in Mesa County,” said Kathleen Satterfield, MCPH Epidemiologist Supervisor.

New for this year, MCPH will also publish data on respiratory illness outbreaks impacting local facilities, such as schools, childcare centers, and long-term care settings. MCPH works directly with staff at these sites to put plans in place to reduce the spread of illness during an outbreak. 

You can explore the most recent data on our website. 

Key trends from 2025-2026 season

Data from last season revealed a significant increase in flu-related hospitalizations compared to the previous season. In total, Mesa County recorded 337 respiratory-related hospitalizations from October 1, 2025 to April 1, 2026: 

• 161 flu-related hospitalizations
• 83 COVID-19-related hospitalizations
• 93 RSV-related hospitalizations

Smart prevention is key

“Prevention is our best defense during the respiratory illness season, especially when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable neighbors, including infants, young children, and older adults,” said Satterfield.

These prevention actions protect you and those around you from the worst outcomes of these viral respiratory diseases: 

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Disinfect surfaces you frequently touch at home and work - like door knobs and light switches.
• Stay up to date on vaccines.

There are safe and effective vaccines available to protect against flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to discuss recommendations for you and your family. Our vaccine specialists are available to answer questions and help you decide what vaccines are right for you. The Mesa County Public Health Clinic currently offers:

• Standard influenza vaccine for anyone six months and older.
• High-dose influenza vaccine for adults 65 and older.
• COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 12 years and older.

Call  970-248-6906 to schedule an appointment. Our Public Health Clinic is hosting a flu vaccine clinic on Saturday, October 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit our website to learn more.