Colorado’s flu season is off to an early start, and mutations in one version of the virus are raising concerns among experts that more people than usual will get sick this year.

The state has higher rates of flu hospitalizations, emergency room visits and positive tests than it did at this time last year, state epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy said. People who haven’t gotten their flu shots should do so now, particularly since it takes two weeks to develop full immunity after vaccination, she said.

“The virus is absolutely here,” she said.

At this point, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus activity is still low, Herlihy said. Viruses often peak at different times, which is good for the health care system because it limits the number of people getting sick at once, she said.

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