Colorado confirms first child flu death this season, health experts encourage vaccines – CBS News

Colorado confirms first child flu death this season, health experts encourage vaccines  CBS News

The first child death from influenza this season has been reported in the state, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.The health agency said the death was an elementary-aged child from outside the Denver metro area. No other identifying information was provided by CDPHE. Health experts also said that flu activity is rising in Colorado in a severe flu season with the highest number of hospitalizations recorded since tracking began in 2004.The CDPHE is urging Coloradans to get vaccinated against the flu as flu activity continues to increase. According to the CDPHE, the early rise in flu activity comes after last year's record-breaking season, which saw unprecedented hospitalizations across the state.

The 2025-2026 season was also Colorado's most severe pediatric flu season on record. During last year's respiratory virus season, the state recorded a record 5,931 flu-related hospitalizations. Of those, a record 1,169 of those hospitalizations were in children. Eight children died from the flu last year. "Last year's record hospitalizations were a sobering reminder of how serious the flu can be, especially for young children," said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist and deputy chief medical officer, in a statement. "With flu activity in the state picking up, parents have a critical window right now to protect their families before virus transmission surges. Getting vaccinated is the