Twenty Colorado residents have been hospitalized for flu since Aug. 1, about twice the number usually seen this time of year in the state, according to San Juan Basin Public Health.

SJBPH and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment urge state residents 6 months old and older to get flu vaccinations before the end of October, if possible.

Flu is among the most common respiratory illnesses in the United States and infects millions each flu season. During last year’s flu season 3,340 Coloradans were hospitalized and two children died from the flu. Vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctor visits, missed work and school days and prevent flu-related hospitalizations. Elderly populations, young children, pregnant women and those with specific health conditions are typically more vulnerable to serious flu complications.

Some facts about this year’s flu vaccine include:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends only injectable flu shots this year. The nasal flu vaccine, brand name FluMist, is not recommended.Influenza can be a more severe disease during pregnancy. The CDC, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend pregnant women get a flu vaccine during any trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant women can receive any licensed, recommended and age-appropriate flu vaccine.Options for flu vaccinations include vaccines that work against three or four strains of flu, high-dose and enhanced vaccines for seniors and vaccines manufactured without eggs. People should discuss the choices with health care providers.SJBPH encourages residents to receive immunizations from primary care providers. Flu shots are a preventive care benefit for children and adults, covered under the Affordable Care Act; immunizations, for most, will be free.

For more information, call 247-5702 or visit www.healthcare.gov/what-are-my-preventive-care-benefits.

fstone@durangoherald.com