Local respiratory illness data available, smart prevention is key

Tracking respiratory illness hospitalizations 

COVID-19, flu, and RSV are respiratory illnesses that cause hospitalizations in Mesa County every year. Our disease surveillance team tracks respiratory illness hospitalizations to gauge the severity of each illness as it spreads through the community. We typically see the most activity from October through March, with peak activity between December and February. We will update Mesa County hospitalization numbers on our website and on social media every other week for these three viruses until the end of March 2026. 

Trends from 2024-2025 respiratory virus season

“Last season, we saw strong activity from both flu and RSV, while COVID-19 played a milder role compared to the previous season,” said Kathleen Satterfield, Epidemiologist Supervisor at Mesa County Public Health.

Flu hospitalizations increased from the previous season, while COVID-19 hospitalizations dropped significantly. Between October 1, 2024 and April 1, 2025, there were 255 respiratory-related hospitalizations in Mesa County, including:

• 108 flu-related hospitalizations
• 77 COVID-19-related hospitalizations
• 70 RSV-related hospitalizations

MCPH does not track individual positive cases of respiratory viruses, but instead focuses on hospitalizations. This helps our team better understand the severity and impact of illness in the community.

You can explore the data from last season’s respiratory virus season on our website. 

Prevention is important

“All three viruses still have the potential to cause serious illness—and prevention is our best defense during the respiratory illness season, especially to keep those who are most vulnerable like the really young and elderly safe,” said Satterfield.

Prevention actions protect you and those around you from the worst outcomes of these viral respiratory diseases. 

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Disinfect surfaces you frequently touch at home and work - like door knobs and light switches.
• Stay up to date on vaccines.

There are safe and effective vaccines available to protect against flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to discuss recommendations for you and your family. 

Our vaccine specialists are available to answer questions and help you decide what vaccines are right for you. The Mesa County Public Health Clinic currently offers:

• High-dose influenza vaccine for adults 65 and older.
• Standard influenza vaccine for anyone six months and older.
• COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 12 years and older.

Call 970-249-6906 to make an appointment. Influenza vaccines are available for both insured and uninsured patients. Check with your insurance about the cost for the COVID-19 vaccine.