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• South Africa: H7N1 bird flu found in ostrich farm

  April 9, 2013 5:47 PM

  JOHANNESBURG (AP) - South African officials say they have detected bird flu on an ostrich farm but that it is unrelated to the strain that has killed eight people in China. Still, the discovery is another blow for an industry that has lost 40 percent of its 50,000 farmers since... more »

• Flu season is Indiana's worst in 5 years

  January 25, 2013 2:52 PM

  INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The seasonal flu outbreak that has killed 40 people so far in Indiana is the state's deadliest in half a decade. State records show that past years have been tamer, with only three people dying of flu last season. The last such severe flu outbreak occurred during... more »

• Flu remains widespread in US; eases in some areas

  January 18, 2013 1:06 PM

  Nine more children or teens have died of the flu, bringing the nation's total this flu season to 29, health officials reported Friday. In a typical season, about 100 children die of the flu, so it is not known whether this year will be better or worse than usual. So... more »

• High Demand Leaves Short Supply of Flu Shots

  January 10, 2013 9:10 PM

  The flu is making headlines in Southern Colorado again, but not for the number of cases this time, but because of the number of people trying to prevent it. The high demand for flu vaccines is leaving doctors' offices and clinics in short supply. Just this week, Kaiser Permanente... more »

• Health officials: Flu widespread in Arizona now

  January 10, 2013 4:27 PM

  PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona health officials say flu activity is widespread in the state this week with influenza reported in 14 of its 15 counties. State Department of Health Services officials say about 1,000 of the nearly 2,200 flu cases were reported last week. Because many people aren't tested for... more »

• Minn. health officials: 27 flu deaths this season

  January 10, 2013 4:25 PM

  ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota health officials are reporting 23 flu deaths in the past week in one of the state's biggest outbreaks in years. The Department of Health says 27 flu-related deaths have been reported so far this season. More than 1,100 people have been hospitalized with flu... more »

• STATE: Flu hospitalizations climbing fast this season Play Video

  January 9, 2013 7:53 PM

  It's a familiar scene for many right now; the waiting room. Many people are waiting for the results of a flu test. Flu season typically runs from about October to May. Last year the flu put 543 people into Colorado hospitals, according to the Department of Public Health and... more »

• Ala. school closed following flu outbreak

  December 5, 2012 11:23 PM

  HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) - A flu outbreak at a school in Huntsville moved officials to cancel classes Thursday and Friday. Administrators at Westminster Christian Academy sent emails to parents Wednesday saying their Brockway campus would close at 11:45 a.m. Thursday and would remain closed Friday. The website reports over 60... more »

• State Health wants to require flu vaccines for some

  January 26, 2012 5:13 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Colorado state health officials want to require flu vaccinations for nearly all hospital and nursing-home employees. According to the Denver Post, the state board of health will vote next month on new rules requiring low-and high-risk medical facilities to increase coverage to 90 percent of workers... more »

• Free flu shots offered today and tomorrow

  February 8, 2011 8:22 AM

  Free flu vaccinations will be offered in Pueblo from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. today and tomorrow. The locations are: J.B. Pharmacy, 915 W. Northern Avenue Blende Drug, 1910 Santa Fe Drive The Prescription Shop, 1728 S. Prairie Avenue These businesses have over... more »

• Worrisome flu symptoms

  January 27, 2011 8:26 PM

  When it comes to the flu, the first and best line of defense for people six months and older is being vaccinated. "The most important thing you need to be thinking about is making sure you have gotten immunized," says medical director of El Paso County Public Health Dr.... more »

• One dead from flu in Garfield County

  January 19, 2011 3:10 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Colorado health officials say a juvenile from Garfield County has died from the flu, becoming the state's third flu death of the season and the first pediatric death. The juvenile died Monday at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction. Officials haven't release any other information, but... more »

• Flu season is here

  January 3, 2011 3:59 PM

  The El Paso County Health Department says all indications show the spread of influenza is underway. Locally six people have been hospitalized, and more and more lab tests are coming back with positive results for the illness. Dr. Bernadette Albanese, the health department's medical director, says it's going to... more »

• Two infants hospitalized with flu

  December 16, 2010 3:03 PM

  Two infants have been hospitalized with influenza in El Paso County, according to the El Paso County Department of Health and Environment. "We expect to see an increase in flu activity throughout the holidays and encourage everyone to get vaccinated and be conscientious about practicing flu prevention behaviors. These... more »

• State health department announces Facebook flu contest

  December 7, 2010 7:24 PM

  The Colorado Adult Immunization Coalition and the Colorado Health Department will sponsor an online flu contest on Facebook to encourage people to get vaccinations. Participants are asked to take their picture after receiving their flu vaccination and upload it on the "Enough Excuses" contest Facebook page . Two... more »

• Flu shots offered by Parkview Hospital

  November 23, 2010 1:24 PM

  Health experts estimate only 20 percent of Americans get a flu shot each year, while several hundred thousand get sick. Parkview Medical Center, in an effort to reduce the risk of contracting the flu, will offer a community flu vaccine clinic Wednesday, December 10, 2010 on a first-come, first-served... more »

• Free flu shots offered

  November 16, 2010 7:27 PM

  Penrose-St. Francis Mission Outreach, along with the Bethel School of Nursing at UCCS and West Side CARES, will host a free flu shot clinic for the uninsured and underinsured on Saturday. Flu shots will be available from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 20 at Westside Community Center,... more »

• Taking the ouch out of shots: Colorado-based company introduces a new needle-free technology

  November 14, 2010 5:29 PM

  Grimacing faces and shots involving needles may become a thing of the past. PharmaJet®, based out of Golden, Colorado, introduced a needle-free injection device for vaccine and drug delivery in 2009. A little over three weeks ago The Little Clinic, located in several Colorado King Soopers stores, began... more »

• State confirms first cases of the flu

  October 15, 2010 10:34 PM

  It's time to really consider getting the flu shot--the state of Colorado has just confirmed the first three cases of the flu in our state. This year, the CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. The flu typically peaks in late fall and... more »

• Boo to the Flu

  October 12, 2010 5:16 PM

  Storytime, treat bags and flu shots are what you can expect at the East Library on Wednesday, October 13 th . The program is called Boo to the Flu and vaccinations are being offered to the community through a joint effort between the Pikes Peak Library District and the... more »

• H1N1 hangover? More seizures in kids who had flu

  September 22, 2010 9:47 AM

  Last year's pandemic influenza made a lot of people sick. Many kids got really sick. Research released Sunday by the University of Utah shows the H1N1 virus apparently triggered a higher rate of neurological complications in children. "I've been working as a physician for approximately 10 years and... more »

• Medical groups urge flu shots for pregnant women

  September 15, 2010 8:26 AM

  Leading medical societies say even though there's no swine flu pandemic, pregnant women still need flu shots. Thousands of health providers will get that message in letters this week. The letter urges doctors to explain the importance of vaccination to pregnant woman and help them find a shot. It's... more »

• Flu vaccine arrives in southern Colorado

  August 30, 2010 10:02 PM

  You may have seen a few signs the flu season is on the horizon. Some pharmacies around southern Colorado have the flu shot available now. Not everyone plans to get one. "I just tend to be a healthy individual, and I never seem to get things," explains Dave Urban.... more »

• Free H1N1 clinics planned

  February 24, 2010 5:40 PM

  The El Paso County Health Department will sponsor a free H1N1 flu vaccine clinic next month specifically for senior citizens, though anyone older than six months can get the vaccine. "It's important for seniors and for all members of our community to remember that H1N1 flu still is circulating... more »

• Flu vaccine available for children

  January 19, 2010 2:04 PM

  The Pueblo City-County Health Department has H1N1 vaccine available for children who cannot get the vaccine at a pharmacy or health provider. Children 6 months to 4 years old that are covered in this group. Children nine years old and younger that received a first dose of H1N1 flu... more »

• H1N1 vaccines available at store pharmacies

  January 11, 2010 3:32 PM

  The Colorado State Health department is urging people to get a H1N1 vaccination if you haven't already done so. It's part of the health department's "Enough Excuses" flu vaccination campaign which kicked off Sunday. This is National Influenza Vaccination week. Hundreds showed up for a free shot or nasal spray... more »

• CDC: Swine flu now widespread only in 1 state

  January 10, 2010 12:08 PM

  Swine flu infections continue to drop and only one state - Alabama - was reporting widespread cases last week. Four states had widespread cases the previous week. The number has been dropping since late October, when nearly all states had widespread flu reports. The Centers for Disease Control... more »

• Surgeon General visits USOC for vaccination push

  January 5, 2010 6:42 PM

  The nation's top doctors are in Colorado Springs with a message for Olympic athletes and the community; Get vaccinated. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin and CDC Director Anne Schuchat joined State Health Officer Ned Calonge at the US Olympic Training Center Tuesday to encourage vaccinations ahead of the Winter Olympic... more »

• Time for 2nd dose of H1N1 nasal spray

  December 28, 2009 3:09 PM

  hildren nine years old and younger that received a first dose of H1N1 flu vaccine and need their second dose are encouraged to call the Health Department to schedule an appointment in the clinic for Tuesday, December 29 or Wednesday December 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Health Department... more »

• Flu fakers beware

  December 23, 2009 8:46 AM

  Schools and employers have been encouraging people to stay home if they're sick with the swine flu. But some people have been taking advantage of those cautionary policies by playing hooky. On a recent day, several Southern Methodist University students were out on the golf course when they should... more »

• Last free swine flu vaccine clinic in Pueblo

  December 10, 2009 3:39 PM

  The H1N1 swine flu vaccine clinic this Saturday at Centennial High School in Pueblo will be the last FREE CLINIC in Pueblo. After Saturday, people will have to go to their doctor's office, pharmacy or medical clinic to be immunized. Costs at those places are running $15-$20. * Saturday, December... more »

• WHO approves Glaxo's swine flu shot

  December 1, 2009 12:30 PM

  Drug giant GlaxoSmithKline says one of its swine flu vaccines has been certified by the World Health Organization, making it available for donors to buy for developing countries. In a statement issued Tuesday, GlaxoSmithKline PLC said WHO had approved its Canadian vaccine after examining its quality and safety data. The... more »

• Employers play Dr. Mom to limit flu impact

  December 1, 2009 12:09 PM

  Big businesses are spending serious time and money trying to limit the swine flu pandemic's impact on operations, from bankrolling video on good hygiene to training employees to cover for co-workers with critical jobs. Companies from health insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc. to beverage can maker Ball Corp. are arranging... more »

• Pueblo health department requests more volunteers

  November 19, 2009 6:11 PM

  Many of you have waited in long lines to get a swine flu vaccine. The Pueblo City-County Health Department is calling for volunteers to help run the clinics more efficiently. Specifically, they're in need of registered nurses and paramedics to give shots to patients. The health department says in the... more »

• Sick told to stay home, but many have no paid sick time

  November 10, 2009 12:47 PM

  As if getting sick with the swine flu isn't bad enough! Some fifty million workers lose pay when they stay home sick. Their alternative is showing up feeling awful, and contagious. Who wants that? Think of tens of thousands of school lunch workers! California Representative George Miller said, "If... more »

• Hospital is first in testing a new type of mask to ward off H1N1 virus

  November 9, 2009 11:46 AM

  A San Diego hospital is using a new type of mask that could offer new protection against the H1N1 virus. It looks like a surgical mask, but it promises to do much more. With an antimicrobial coating that kills germs on contact, SafeLife's N95 Respiratory is being hailed as a... more »

• Dogs should be vaccinated against the flu too

  November 7, 2009 11:43 AM

  Everyone has been talking about the flu a lot this season, but now a new flu is out there. This one is hitting dogs, so should you get your pet vaccinated?. While people everywhere clamor to get the H1N1 vaccine. Veterinarians are also recommending people get their dogs vaccinated... more »

• House holds hearing on response to H1N1

  November 4, 2009 10:13 AM

  A House committee looks into the federal response to the H1N1 virus at a hearing today on Capitol Hill. The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can expect some tough questioning about the availability of the swine flu vaccine. Meanwhile, a senior House lawmaker is seeking... more »

• NIH official vouches for safety of flu vaccine

  November 3, 2009 11:47 AM

  A leading government health figure says tests on millions of people who have received the H1N1 flu vaccine show that it's safe and effective. Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health said Tuesday that people should not worry about the safety of the vaccine. He pointed to a... more »

• Preventive maintenance in Pueblo

  October 31, 2009 7:19 PM

  The Center for Disease Control has released the latest numbers. 19 deaths from H1N1 were reported in children last week alone - making it the deadliest week for kids since the outbreak started. More than two-thirds of the deaths are in kids who have underlying health conditions. Experts... more »

• Questions about swine flu? Call a free hotline

  October 29, 2009 5:15 PM

  As the H1N1 flu continues to spread in Southern Colorado, many people have questions about the illness. The state has a hotline set up to take questions. Last month, the Pueblo City-County Health Department also started its own hotline to answer questions from people in Pueblo. Professional and student nurses... more »

• Flu clinic to be held Tuesday in Canon City

  October 26, 2009 6:23 PM

  Fremont County Public Health will offer the H1N1 vaccine to residents Tuesday, October 27th from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church located at the corner of 16th and Franklin in Cañon City. The target groups for this clinic will be: * children ages 6 months through 4... more »

• Fort Carson has flu hotline staffed by RNs

  October 23, 2009 1:15 PM

  Fort Carson has activated a new hotline staffed by nurses to answer questions about H1N1 swine flu. The number is staffed seven days a week, 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. TRICARE beneficiaries may speak to a registered nurse about symptoms and treatments for illness. The hotline number is... more »

• Colorado reports 6 more deaths from flu

  October 21, 2009 11:33 AM

  Six more people have died from the flu in Colorado, bringing the total this season to 20. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment released the new toll Wednesday. It's not yet clear how many of the most recent deaths were from swine flu, also known as H1N1,... more »

• Nurses' union threatens strike over swine flu

  October 20, 2009 12:43 PM

  A nurses' union is threatening a one-day strike at 34 hospitals across California, accusing them of poor swine flu preparedness. California Nurses Association spokesman Chuck Idelson says up to 16,000 registered nurses will strike on Oct. 30 if federal swine flu recommendations aren't written into their contracts. Idelson said Monday... more »

• H1N1 clinic planned Thursday in Pueblo

  October 19, 2009 12:33 PM

  The Pueblo City-County Health Department plans to hold an H1N1 Swine Flu clinic on Thursday with both nasal spray and injections. Nasal spray arrived last week and vaccine designed for injections should be here soon, according to the Health Department. This clinic is for pregnant women, caregivers of... more »

• Swine flu vaccine slow in getting to Colorado

  October 16, 2009 7:30 AM

  Colorado health officials say the 50,000 doses of swine flu the state received this week is well below the 183,300 doses they expected. They advised local health departments and hospitals to continue providing available vaccine to high-risk groups including health care workers with direct contact with patients, preschool children ages... more »

• Pueblo man died quickly from H1N1 flu

  October 14, 2009 4:02 PM

  We're learning more about the Pueblo man who died from the H1N1 flu. His widow says he got sick on a Sunday and died two days later. "This sickness is very scary--to where it can take someone right away" said Josette Berumen. Her husband Ronald "Andy" Berumen died Oct. 6... more »

• Nearly half of swine flu patients otherwise healthy

  October 13, 2009 1:31 PM

  The largest U.S. analysis of adult hospitalized swine flu patients has found that 46 percent did not have asthma or any other underlying condition. Health officials looked at 1,400 adult swine flu hospitalizations in 10 states. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official released some of the details at... more »

• 76 U.S. children dead of swine flu as cases rise

  October 11, 2009 10:48 AM

  Health officials said Friday that 76 children in the United States have died of swine flu since April, including 16 new reports in the past week - more evidence the new virus is unusually dangerous in kids. The regular flu kills between 46 and 88 children a year, according... more »

• Doctors warn swine flu panic may be worse than the illness itself

  October 4, 2009 9:27 AM

  The swine flu is causing a lot of people to panic, and some doctors say hysteria about the flu might be worse than the illness itself. Dr. Richard Honaker, a family practice physician in Carrollton, Texas is getting lots of calls from parents worried their children may have the... more »

• H1N1 could tie up hospital space

  October 2, 2009 7:51 PM

  A new report suggests Colorado could run out of hospital beds, if the H1N1 flu virus gets severe enough. The study "H1N1 Challenges Ahead" predicts that almost 22,000 people in our state could need hospitalization because of the virus. The would occupy approximately 88-percent of hospital bed-space across the... more »

• Colorado set to receive H1N1 vaccine

  October 1, 2009 7:04 PM

  Our state will get its first doses of the H1N1 vaccine, late next week. The state health department says it expects an initial shipment of 53,800 doses, and the vaccines will be made available to Denver area hospitals and front-line emergency workers across the state. This first batch will... more »

• Will H1N1 impact Colorado school count?

  September 30, 2009 8:49 PM

  The impact of H1N1 on school attendance couldn't come at a worse time. October 1 st is school count day, which is the measure for determining each Colorado School's budget for next year. Each student brings a school around $6,000 for next year's budget. If students are absent they... more »

• Pueblo County school & preschool class closed because of flu-like illnesses

  September 28, 2009 2:12 PM

  Craver Middle School in Pueblo County's D-70 has been closed for the remainder of the week because 40% of students are absent with flu-like symptoms. A preschool class at Pueblo West Elementary will also be out this week as students recover. Last Friday, the Pueblo City-County Health Department reported... more »

• Swine flu vaccine starts arriving in 2 weeks

  September 25, 2009 12:30 PM

  Swine flu vaccine starts arriving the first week of October, and there will be more of it than officials originally thought - between 6 and 7 million doses. That's roughly double earlier predictions. Most will be the nasal spray version called FluMist. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says... more »

• Flu-related hospitalizations on rise in Colorado

  September 23, 2009 7:34 AM

  The number of flu-related hospitalizations is on the rise and the official flu season is just beginning. State health figures show that at least 171 people statewide were hospitalized with flu-related illnesses from Aug. 30 through Saturday. Most of those cases were thought to be the swine flu. Seasonal influenza... more »

• Study: Flu viruses can cause heart attacks

  September 22, 2009 11:00 AM

  Heart patients who catch the flu may have more to worry about than just a fever or the sniffles: the virus could also spark a heart attack, new research shows. Amid the global outbreak of swine flu, experts say it's crucial that heart patients get vaccinated against both regular... more »