Influenza is making an earlier appearance in Routt County this season compared to the previous year, with positive flu cases reported to be 71% higher than at the same time last year, as noted by UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center.
Public Health Director Roberta Smith shared insights on Wednesday, indicating, "We are detecting the virus a couple of weeks ahead of last year based on our wastewater monitoring data."
The first signs of influenza A were detected through monitoring efforts at the Steamboat Springs Wastewater Plant on November 19, and its presence has been consistently observed since then, with a notable increase occurring on December 15. Lauren Bryan, the infection prevention program manager at UCHealth YVMC, remarked, "In the past week, it has felt like we are seeing exponential growth in flu cases. The epidemiological curve resembles an arrow pointed straight up."
Bryan highlighted that influenza poses a serious risk, particularly for vulnerable populations such as very young children, seniors aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. She explained that the flu is contagious starting one day before symptoms appear and can remain viable on hard, dry surfaces for up to 48 hours.
Reflecting on the rapid rise in cases, Smith pointed out that last year's peak was recorded during monitoring on January 15. This should serve as a crucial reminder for residents to receive their flu vaccinations promptly at medical clinics or the Public Health Office. The office located at the intersection of Oak and Sixth streets in downtown Steamboat offers complimentary flu shots for individuals who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the vaccine.
"While the flu vaccine may not perfectly match the circulating strains, it has been shown to significantly reduce the severity of the illness, leading to a 72-75% decrease in emergency room visits among children and a 32-39% reduction in adults," Bryan elaborated. Furthermore, she noted that 90% of recent flu cases have involved influenza A, which is known to cause more severe symptoms. It's also important to remember that it takes about two weeks for the body to build immunity after receiving the flu shot. Alarmingly, only 28% of Routt County residents had received their flu vaccine by 2025.
Bryan offered practical advice: "If you’re feeling unwell, please stay home. Try to avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing or has nasal congestion. Regular handwashing and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces—like grocery cart handles—are essential measures."
She went on to emphasize, "This time of year is particularly concerning for flu outbreaks due to holiday gatherings for Christmas and New Year's, which naturally increases the likelihood of transmission, especially with the added complication of immune-evasive viral mutations."
Statewide, flu cases are surging, as confirmed by public health officials in Colorado. Smith remarked, "Comparing figures from previous years reveals a significant uptick in cases across the state, and we are starting this season with an alarming rise in hospitalizations."
Communications Manager Lindsey Reznicek of UCHealth YVMC reported that the hospital has identified positive flu cases in individuals ranging from just nine months to 90 years old, alongside hospitalizations of residents from Routt County, other parts of Colorado, and even out-of-state visitors.
She noted that UCHealth Urgent Care on Mid Valley Drive experienced its highest volume of patients ever on December 26, with 82 individuals seeking care after being closed on Christmas Day. Common symptoms reported by those visiting the clinic included cough, sore throat, and fever, with some testing positive for the flu.
Lab results from the hospital indicated that 42% of flu cases were from Colorado, with an impressive 78% originating from Routt County. Among the remaining 58% of cases from outside the state, the most affected states included Texas, New York, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Ohio.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Viral Respiratory Diseases Data page, there has been one pediatric death attributed to influenza since October 1 of this flu season.
Typically, flu symptoms begin to manifest approximately two days after exposure, though they can appear anytime between one and four days post-exposure. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or congested nose, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue. Some cases may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, which are more prevalent in children.
Smith expressed uncertainty regarding the overall severity of the flu season in Routt County this winter, citing numerous variables that fluctuate annually, with tourism being a significant factor.
Sheli Steele, marketing and communications director at Memorial Regional Health in Craig, stated that data comparing the flu cases from 2024 to 2025 revealed a 9% increase in positive tests. Two patients diagnosed with influenza were admitted to the Craig hospital this month.
Staff at the Steamboat wastewater plant actively monitor for six different viruses present in sewage collected from residents, commuters, visitors, and travelers.
