DENVER (AP) -- Colorado hospitals are taking precautions to keep flu patients separated.

On Tuesday, Denver Health Medical Center opened a separate sick bay for flu sufferers. Swedish Medical Center has posted a sign asking people with flu symptoms to do what they can to keep their hands clean and protect other patients.

According to KMGH-TV (http://tinyurl.com/bbudofb ), state health officials report a jump in flu cases, with more than 500 people hospitalized so far this season.

------

Information from: KMGH-TV, http://www.thedenverchannel.com

(Copyright ©2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)