PUEBLO, COLO. -- Pueblo Public Health officials have confirmed the flu has hit the city after the first case was discovered this week.

Officials said a man is in the hospital but would not release any information on him.

“This confirms what we had suspected that flu is in the Pueblo area,” Dr. Christine Nevin-Woods, public health director at the Pueblo City-County Health Department, said in a statement. "It is important to get an annual flu shot to protect yourself from the influenza virus, it is not too late. Vaccine is available at doctors’ offices, pharmacies and grocery stores around Pueblo.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone over 6 months old receive a flu shot, especially people who are at high risk of developing flu-related complications or live with or care for people at high risk. Vaccination against flu helps protect yourself and the most vulnerable people in the community (such as newborns and those going through chemotherapy).  Some children younger than nine years of age will need two doses, so check with your provider. 

Seasonal flu is a disease that causes illness, hospitalizations, and deaths every year. The CDC estimates 36,000 Americans die from a flu-related illness each year. It is important for many people to know they are at higher risk for complications from flu; people with asthma, diabetes, cancer, pregnant women, children younger than five and adults 65 and older. Complications from flu may lead to pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu, and people with chronic congestive heart failure may have worsening of this condition triggered by the flu.

“Of special importance is Health Care Workers who should be vaccinated against the flu to protect themselves and their patients,” Nevin-Woods said.

Symptoms of the flu start suddenly and may include:

• Fever (usually high)
• Cough and/or sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache and/or body aches
• Tiredness (can be extreme)
• Chills and fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)

“When you experience symptoms of the flu stay home until 24-hours after your fever is gone, without the help of fever reducing medicines,” Nevin-Woods said. "This limits the spread of the virus."

Plenty of flu vaccine is available in Pueblo. Contact your provider, local pharmacies and grocery stores. For additional protection during cold and flu season wash your hands, cover your cough, stay home (and keep children home) when you are sick until at least 24 hours after fever ends. Call 583-4320 for the Health Department’s recorded flu hotline.

Take three steps to prevent the flu:

1) Get your flu shot.

Visit your doctor or pharmacist to get the latest flu vaccine.

2) Take everyday actions to stop the spread of germs.

Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

3) Know flu symptoms.

Flu-like symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache and fatigue. Take anti-viral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.