As Northern Colorado residents infected with the flu begin to stream into area emergency rooms and hospitals, one fact is emerging. 89 percent of patients treated for flu symptoms did not get a shot.
The interesting statistic comes from the University of Colorado Health system, which analyzed clinic data in Weld and Larimer counties, as well as emergency room visits to Poudre Valley Health and Medical Center of the Rockies.
“I hear that all the time—the flu shot isn’t 100 percent. But the flu shot will lessen the potential for you dying with influenza and lessen the chance of [your] getting symptoms,” said Paul J. Poduska, an infection preventionist with PVH.
So far University of Colorado Health has reported one flu-related death in Northern Colorado. More than 200 have been treated for symptoms.
Given that the flu season has yet to reach its peak, Poduska says it’s not too late to get vaccinated.
“It’s not just for the patient, also for your family, and the people you really care about,” he said.
