ICU Beds Near Capacity In Boulder County

BOULDER COUNTY, CO — Flu and COVID-19 cases are surging in Boulder County and putting strain on urgent care and emergency rooms, public health officials said.

Flu outbreaks in Boulder among people ages 18 to 25 are on the rise, and Boulder County Public Health is urging everyone to get their flu vaccinations.

“We are highly concerned about the potential impacts from a more active flu season,” said Carol Helwig, the agency's communicable disease control coordinator, in a news release.

“The surge in people impacted by COVID-19 illness in Boulder County over the past few weeks is already creating a substantial strain on hospitals, clinics and our whole health care system, and an active flu season could create an even greater strain and challenges.”

As of Monday, the North Central hospital region, which includes Boulder County, reported that 95 percent of staffed ICU beds and medical/surgical beds were occupied.

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A 2021 study found that flu vaccination in adults resulted in a 26 percent lower risk of ICU admission and a 31 percent lower risk of death from flu than those who were unvaccinated, public health officials said.

“The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against serious illness caused by flu is to get vaccinated every flu season,” said Keith Rawls, Boulder County Public Health immunization program coordinator. “It is safe for everyone to get the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time, and many providers are offering both vaccines at select locations.”

Flu vaccines will help support local health care systems, the agency said.

“By simply getting your flu shot, you can help reduce the burden on local hospitals and our health care workers,” Helwig said.

>> Find COVID-10 vaccine providers in Boulder County here, and flu vaccine providers here.