January 21, 2026
As the winter chill settles in, El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) is reporting a rise in influenza (flu) cases. Understanding the flu is the first step toward staying healthy this season. Here is what you need to know about the current flu season and how to protect yourself and your family.
What is the flu?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. While some people mistake a heavy cold for the flu, the latter is typically more severe and can lead to serious outcomes like hospitalization, particularly for high-risk groups.
Common symptoms Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), keep an eye out for:
- Fever or feeling feverish (though not everyone with the flu has a fever)
- Cough and sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches and fatigue
Tips for prevention
Flu vaccines are available for those who want them. While the influenza vaccine may not prevent influenza, it can lessen severe outcomes, such as hospitalization. It’s not too late to receive the annual vaccine. The flu vaccine is available at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and EPCPH, and can be given to anyone age 6 months and older.
Everyday healthy habits
You can also take simple steps in your daily life to prevent the spread of flu:
- Wash your hands often: Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you are not able to wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- .Avoid touching your face: Germs spread easily when you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue or the crook of your elbow.
- Clean and disinfect: Focus on frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and keyboards.
- Stay home if you are sick: Stay home until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
Who is at higher risk?
While anyone can get sick with the flu, certain groups are more likely to experience complications:
- Adults 65 and older
- Pregnant women
- Young children
- People with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
Note: If you are at high risk and develop symptoms, contact a doctor immediately. Antiviral drugs can be prescribed to make the illness milder and shorten the time you are sick, but they work best when started within 48 hours of symptoms appearing.