We are now in the thick of flu season and the influenza bug has already sent a number of Coloradans to the hospital.

The most recent Colorado flu report from the state's Department of Public Health & Environment said there have been 293 hospitalizations related to influenza since the flu season formally began on Sept. 29.

A total of 58 Coloradans were hospitalized for the flu during the second week of December alone.

The flu season runs through May 16.

“It’s definitely not too late to get the (flu) shot,” said UCHealth physician Dr. Brandon Stilson in a press release.

Stilson also encourages people to wash their hands frequently, and cover their coughs and sneezes.

Accoording to UCHealth, Flu symptoms include "a dry, hacking cough, moderate to high fever (101 degrees or higher), sore throat, shaking chills, severe muscle and body aches and a serious headache."

 

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