According to the El Paso County Health department, three elderly people and an adolescent have been hospitalized with influenza.

The health department is urging anyone 6 months of age and older to get flu vaccination now. Health officials say the flu vaccine is safe and offers the best protection currently available against flu.

The flu usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:
• Fever (usually high)
• Headache
• Tiredness (can be extreme)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)

The health department says having these symptoms does not always mean that you have flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms. Those most at risk for developing flu-related complications are children under 2, the elderly, pregnant women, or people with chronic respiratory disease or who have weakened immune systems.

The health department recommends:

• Get vaccinated against flu
• Stay home if you are sick with flu symptoms. Keep your children home if they are showing signs of illness. You should not return to work or school until 24 hours after a fever ends without the help of fever-reducing medicines.
• Wash your hands frequently (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds)
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or a sleeve

To find where yo can get a flu shot, call the Pikes Peak United Way’s 2-1-1 information and referral hotline, or click on one of the links below.