Colorado is experiencing a record-breaking flu season, ranking among the top five states with the highest flu activity in the country. The CDC reports that doctor visits for flu-like illnesses are at a 30-year high, with hospitalizations peaking at 831 in the week ending December 27, 2025, the highest since tracking began two decades ago. Emergency departments across the state, including Mesa County, are overwhelmed, with high volumes of patients suffering from severe flu symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory issues. The flu has particularly impacted older adults, young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, with 17 pediatric deaths reported nationwide. The flu strain this season is notably more contagious and severe, leading to increased hospitalizations and emergency visits. Colorado’s Chaffee County reports high influenza activity, especially among those over 65, and emphasizes the importance of vaccination, even though the current vaccine may be less effective due to virus drift. Public health officials recommend vaccination, hand hygiene, staying home when sick, and masking for high-risk groups. The CDC highlights wastewater surveillance as a key tool for monitoring community spread, which shows high flu levels in Colorado. Emergency physicians advise that anyone experiencing severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain should seek immediate medical care. Despite federal changes to childhood vaccination schedules causing community concern, local health authorities confirm they are following the established immunization guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics to protect children and the community.