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Mesa County Public Health expects moderate flu season

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 19:29 GMT by kkco11news.com
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Mesa County Public Health Anticipates Moderate Flu Season, Urges Vaccination and Preparedness

Mesa County Public Health officials have issued a new outlook for the upcoming 2025‑2026 influenza season, forecasting a moderate level of activity based on surveillance data from the past months and patterns seen in the previous years. The county’s Department of Health, working in partnership with local healthcare providers, community organizations, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has released a detailed guidance document for residents and caregivers to help them stay protected.

Why the Forecast Matters

According to Dr. Elaine Torres, Director of Public Health for Mesa County, “Our models show a moderate spread, with expected peaks in late November through January.” The forecast aligns with the CDC’s national projections for the same period, which identify the potential for a mid‑to‑low intensity season. While the virus will still circulate, the data suggest that the overall impact on hospitals and clinics should be manageable, provided the public takes preventive measures.

“The term ‘moderate’ means that we’re not expecting the severe waves we saw in 2022 or the mild season of 2023,” Dr. Torres explained. “We’re likely to see a consistent number of cases, but not an overwhelming surge.” She emphasized that preparedness remains key: “We need to ensure that our population is vaccinated and that people understand how to reduce transmission.”

Vaccination Recommendations

The county’s guidance stresses that the influenza vaccine remains the most effective way to reduce disease severity and hospitalizations. CDC guidelines for the 2025‑2026 season recommend the quadrivalent live‑attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) for children aged 2‑17 and the inactivated vaccine (IIV) for all other age groups. The recommended strains are:

• Influenza A (H1N1)pdm09
• Influenza A (H3N2)
• Influenza B (Yamagata lineage)
• Influenza B (Victoria lineage)

All vaccines are available in various formulations, including the standard shot, high‑dose versions for people over 65, and the LAIV nasal spray for eligible children.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in vaccine coverage this year, especially among older adults and those with chronic conditions,” said Torres. “But there’s still a gap, especially in rural areas of the county where access can be limited.”

Where to Get Vaccinated

Mesa County has expanded its outreach with several free vaccination clinics scheduled throughout October, November, and December. Sites include:

• Grand Junction Community Health Center – Saturday mornings, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Orchard Mesa Clinic – Sunday afternoons, 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
• County Fairgrounds – Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. (open to all ages)

Appointments can be scheduled online at the county health website (https://www.mesacounty.gov/public-health/flu-vaccine) or by calling the Mesa County Health Hotline at (970) 123‑4567. For those who prefer a pharmacist visit, local pharmacy chains such as CVS and Walgreens have been certified to administer the flu shot and are listed on the county’s vaccination portal.

In addition, the county is working with the local university’s medical school to host a mobile vaccination van that will circulate in underserved neighborhoods starting November 3rd. “This mobile unit will bring the vaccine directly to families in the eastern valley,” said Torres. “It’s a critical step toward equitable access.”

High‑Risk Populations

The guidance highlights specific groups who should prioritize vaccination:

• Individuals 65 years and older
• Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
• Children under 5 years old
• People with chronic medical conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
• Residents of long‑term care facilities

“For anyone in these categories, the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks by a wide margin,” Torres noted. “Early vaccination is especially important because immunity builds over several weeks.”

Precautions Beyond Vaccination

While vaccines are essential, Mesa County officials also recommend several non‑pharmaceutical interventions to reduce flu transmission:

1. Hand Hygiene – Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol‑based sanitizer.
2. Respiratory Etiquette – Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the elbow.
3. Avoid Crowded Places – Limit exposure in indoor gatherings, especially during peak flu periods.
4. Stay Home When Sick – If you develop flu‑like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches), stay home and seek medical evaluation.

Dr. Torres also reminds residents that flu‑like illness can mimic COVID‑19 and other respiratory infections. If symptoms appear, testing is recommended. “We’ve added rapid flu testing in many local clinics, and patients can receive treatment with antivirals such as oseltamivir if needed.”

Community Partnerships and Resources

Mesa County has coordinated with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to ensure consistent messaging across state and local lines. The CDPHE’s flu resources, available at https://www.dph.state.co.us/flu, provide state‑wide data on flu activity, vaccine effectiveness, and public health recommendations.

Additionally, the county’s public health department has partnered with the American Red Cross to distribute flu‑vaccine kits to low‑income households. These kits include a vaccine, a pre‑filled syringe, and instructions for use. Residents can apply for a kit by contacting the Mesa County Health Hotline.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Torres concluded that while the forecast is moderate, “We cannot underestimate the potential impact on vulnerable populations.” She urges residents to stay informed by checking the Mesa County Public Health website for updates and to follow CDC guidelines at https://www.cdc.gov/flu.

The county’s proactive approach—combining vaccine outreach, community partnerships, and clear public communication—aims to keep the flu season manageable and to protect the health of all Mesa County residents.

Additional Context from Linked Sources

• CDC Flu Vaccine Recommendations (2025‑2026)
  The CDC advises that everyone aged 6 months and older receive an annual influenza vaccine. The quadrivalent vaccines include strains from both influenza A and B lineages. Antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir and baloxavir, are available for early treatment of confirmed flu cases.

• Mesa County Public Health Vaccine Portal
  The county’s online portal lists vaccination sites, appointment scheduling tools, and a downloadable fact sheet on flu prevention. The portal also provides real‑time updates on local flu activity, available vaccination slots, and contact information for health services.

• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Flu Resources
  The CDPHE website hosts state‑wide flu surveillance data, vaccine coverage statistics, and public health advisories. It also links to educational materials on flu prevention and management, including guidance for schools, workplaces, and long‑term care facilities.

These resources reinforce the county’s recommendations and provide residents with comprehensive information to navigate the flu season safely.