**Colorado ERs Struggle As 2025-26 Flu Season Hits Harder Than Expected**
Key Takeaways:
- Colorado has one of the highest flu hospitalization rates in the U.S. during the 2025-26 season.
- The flu virus is unusually severe, leading to symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea alongside typical respiratory issues.
- Emergency departments report record-high visits, causing strain on healthcare workers and resources.
DENVER, CO — The 2025-26 flu season is surging in severity, pushing emergency rooms across Colorado to near-capacity and placing the state among the top five nationally for influenza-related activity. Flu-related hospitalizations peaked at 831 cases in the week ending December 27, 2025, marking the state’s highest total since official tracking began two decades ago.
Unusually Aggressive Flu Strain Overwhelms Hospitals
According to Dr. Jean Hoffman, an emergency physician and associate professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, this year’s flu is “one of the worst” she has seen in her 18-year career. The viral strain sweeping through Colorado not only includes the classic flu symptoms—fever, fatigue, coughing—but is also causing intense gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea. These unusual side effects are contributing to significantly worse patient discomfort, driving many otherwise healthy individuals to seek emergency care for relief.
What’s Behind the Unprecedented Flu Spike?
Several factors have contributed to the current crisis. First, the 2025-26 flu virus appears to be particularly contagious and fast-spreading. This has led to a spike in infections among both typically low-risk adults and children, though kids are showing milder symptoms. However, 17 pediatric deaths have already been recorded nationwide—a high and troubling count for this point in the season. Second, those with pre-existing conditions like asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and immune deficiencies are experiencing worse complications than in previous seasons, requiring hospital stays and oxygen support.
Healthcare System Faces Dual Post-Pandemic Challenge
While flu always poses a seasonal burden, the scale and intensity this year are remarkable. Past peaks, like the 2022 “tripledemic” involving RSV and COVID-19, were more balanced across multiple infections. But this year, flu alone has become the dominant stressor. Emergency departments recently hit record visit volumes over the holidays, and wastewater tracking—the state’s leading surveillance method—shows flu levels at historic highs while COVID-19 and RSV remain relatively low. Testing and lab resources are also being stretched thin, prompting doctors to recommend only symptomatic treatment for most healthy people.
What to Expect as Flu Season Continues
Experts emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant. While public health officials can’t predict the precise course of the flu season, current trends suggest sustained pressure through at least February. Physicians urge those with chronic conditions or severe symptoms to seek medical attention early. Getting an updated flu shot remains a crucial preventive step, especially for high-risk groups. Emergency staff are on alert for further increases in hospitalizations, especially if community spread intensifies after winter gatherings and travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is flu season trending?
A: Colorado and multiple U.S. states are seeing record-high emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to an unusually severe flu strain.
Q: What happens next?
A: Health authorities anticipate continued strain through February. Updated flu vaccinations and basic prevention methods are recommended.
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