Like breaking up, it’s not always easy to just leave them behind. The same can also be said of the virus we know as COVID, along with a few others. And right now we’re right in the heart of this dreaded season.
Despite being able to walk around—most often mask-less—without a thought of the virus, there’s always something that takes us back to a time we would just as soon forget. Even though COVID’s heyday is now behind us, it’s still hanging around along with a couple of microscopic buddies. And Pueblo is not immune.
As the new year begins, health officials are warning us to protect ourselves not just against COVID, but the flu and RSV, too. By now we’re all familiar with COVID and the flu, RSV, not so much.
It’s Respiratory Syncytial Virus, a bug that is similar to the common cold, inconvenient and uncomfortable—sometimes very uncomfortable—but usually nothing more, unless its landing spot is with an infant or an older person. It is also, says the Centers for Disease Control, very contagious. Infants under a year are the most at-risk age group with babies under six months the most vulnerable. If a child under six months shows signs, warns CDC, you should call your pediatrician.
Nationally, RSV cases are up. Alicia Solis, Manager of Pueblo County’s Department of Health and Environment Communicable Disease and Emergency Preparedness, says Pueblo is now seeing its share.
RSV infects as many as 80,000 people annually. Anyone can contract it but older victims, especially those with weaker immune systems or other health conditions are most susceptible. Until recently, RSV cases in Colorado had been isolated to the Denver metro area. That is no longer the case. In late June, it arrived in Pueblo and since has been on the rise though, because cases can only be counted by the number of emergency room visits and hospitalizations, a true number is hard to pinpoint. But from June to the end of the year, there have been 47 cases countywide. Luckily, said Solis, there are vaccinations for RSV for both children and adults.
While healthcare specialists are watching RSV, it’s the flu that is having a bigger impact. “We are seeing an increase,” Solis said. As the year ended, the county tracked a total of 99 hospitalizations.
“What we’re seeing with the majority of tests,” said Solis, “is Type A” influenza. Symptoms for the flu include “cough but with more drainage, aches and pains and chills.” There is also fever that accompanies flu, she said, while warning to flu victims to monitor temperature carefully. “Usually if a fever lasts longer than 24 hours…102 or above, reach out.” If it goes higher, “you want to go to the emergency department.”
Health department figures show that in Pueblo County flu vaccinations trended up this flu season but perhaps not as high as health officials might have liked. “A lot of people are opting out of vaccinations,” Solis could only guess that there is a “fatigue with the number of vaccinations” post COVID. Still, she said, “We’re still encouraging folks to get vaccinated.” And now might be a good time since, as Solis said, “Our peak (for flu) for Pueblo County is usually in January.”
The influenza virus is different for everyone. But the CDC says once contracted, flu lasts anywhere from four to seven days. But the cough that usually accompanies the virus can last up to several weeks. Doctors recommend getting a flu shot. It is not a guarantee against the virus, but does minimize one’s chances of infection or lessens its severity.
But vaccinated or not, Pueblo’s infectious disease expert recommends basic simple hygiene tips: Increased hand washing, cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, increased indoor ventilation, wearing a mask and keeping a safe distance from others.
Most everyone is familiar with the darkest days of COVID. It killed more than a million Americans, including more than 14,000 Coloradans. Things have improved dramatically since.
Still, that doesn’t mean the virus is anywhere near gone, Solis warned. In 2023, Pueblo County recorded 5,085 COVID cases. “It was very different from 2022.” Solis said the county recorded 27,613 cases in 2022. Last year Pueblo County counted 57 COVID deaths with victims ranging from age 32 to 98.
Like that long-ago ‘ex,’ these viruses are gone but not forgotten. “We’ve stopped community testing,” Solis said. Also stopped are testing in “community settings, long-term care facilities, jails and shelters.” Solis said the push this season is home testing kits. But just as important as home testing is using a little common sense.
“If you’re not feeling well, have a fever or diarrhea, stay home…you’re protecting others.” For COVID, a recommended self-imposed quarantine is five days. For RSV, she said, it’s three days.
To answer any COVID, influenza or RSV questions, visit the Pueblo County Health Department website at Pueblohealth.org or call 719.583.4300.
