Colorado is grappling with an unprecedented flu crisis, and the numbers are alarming. In late December 2025, the state recorded a staggering 831 hospitalizations due to influenza, the highest in two decades. Even with a slight dip the following week, the numbers remain significantly elevated compared to previous years.
But here's the concerning part: Colorado is one of the top five states with the most intense flu activity in the nation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's surveillance report reveals that doctor visits for flu-like illnesses have reached a 30-year record high.
As an emergency medicine specialist with 18 years of experience at the University of Colorado, I can attest that this season is exceptionally challenging. Our emergency department witnessed a record-breaking number of daily visits during the holidays, and the volume has remained high. The flu is undoubtedly a significant contributor to this surge.
What sets this 'super flu' apart? This season's flu arrived swiftly and is highly contagious, with more severe symptoms than recent years. While flu typically causes fever and body aches, this strain has also led to vomiting and diarrhea, making people feel much worse. This, in turn, drives more individuals to seek emergency care.
In past seasons, emergency rooms were packed due to multiple outbreaks, like the 2022 'tripledemic' of COVID-19, flu, and RSV. However, this 2025-26 season is unique, with a high volume of flu-specific emergency visits. We're seeing two distinct groups: healthy individuals experiencing severe symptoms, and those with underlying health issues or severe flu manifestations, including asthma and heart disease, which can be aggravated by the flu.
The impact is twofold: First, the flu is making people feel extremely unwell. Second, those with comorbidities are facing complications, putting immense pressure on the healthcare system.
Are certain age groups more affected? Children generally have milder cases, but there have been eight pediatric flu-related deaths nationwide, all with underlying conditions and unvaccinated. Young adults in their 20s are hit hard, but complications and hospitalizations are less frequent. The primary concern is for those with medical problems or underlying conditions like asthma, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, as the flu exacerbates their existing health issues.
Should people still get the flu shot? Absolutely. An annual, updated flu shot can reduce the severity of the disease, even if it doesn't offer complete protection. It's crucial for those with underlying conditions to minimize symptom severity and the risk of hospitalization.
When should you go to the ER? If you experience difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, or unusual headaches, seek immediate medical attention. For mild symptoms like headaches, body aches, fever, cough, or congestion, rest is often the best remedy. However, if you have underlying medical conditions and severe symptoms, consult your primary care doctor or consider the ER.
Is testing necessary? Testing is essential for surveillance, especially for infectious disease tracking. Colorado's wastewater surveillance is a top method for identifying community infections. While testing provides valuable data, it can strain hospital resources and increase costs. For those with manageable symptoms, the advice remains: stay home, practice good hygiene, and wear a mask in public.
And here's the controversial part: While the flu shot is encouraged, it's not a guarantee against severe illness. So, should we be doing more to protect vulnerable populations? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
