No matter who you are, understanding the risks that influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pose is key to staying healthy. Each year, millions of people get sick, and thousands need hospital care or die from respiratory infections caused by viruses. Vaccines help prevent these outcomes or lessen their severity, and are a safer, more dependable way to build immunity than catching a virus to build immunity. You can lower your risk of getting sick with a respiratory infection by staying up to date with influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines as needed.
You are considered high risk for a severe case of flu or COVID-19 if you: Are 65 years or older, pregnant, have certain medical conditions such as obesity, asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, or have a weakened immune system.
You are considered high risk for severe RSV if you: Are 75 years or older, or age 60–74 and live in a long-term care facility or have certain medical conditions such as: diabetes, heart disease, obesity or kidney disease.
Vaccines help you risk less and do more. Call 303-602-3520 to make an appointment with our Immunization Clinic to get vaccinated!
Syphilis cases are increasing in Colorado. The total number of cases has tripled over the last 5 years, and cases of congenital syphilis (when a mother passes the infection to her baby during pregnancy) are 7 times higher than they were 2018. We recommend all pregnant persons be tested for syphilis at the first prenatal visit, early in the third trimester, and at the time of delivery. Additionally, the state health department recommends anyone who is 15 to 44 years old and sexually active be offered syphilis testing.
What to know about syphilis: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems if untreated. You can get syphilis through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has syphilis. There are different stages of syphilis infection, and each stage has different signs and symptoms. Depending on the stage you may have no outward signs or symptoms of syphilis.
Is there a cure? Yes! Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics. While symptoms typically resolve fully, some individuals with more serious complications may experience ongoing vision or hearing changes.
What can you do? Get tested! If you are pregnant, be sure to speak with your healthcare team about syphilis testing. If you are between 15 to 44 years old and sexually active, make an appointment with your healthcare provider or the Denver Sexual Health Clinic if you have questions or want to be tested.
If you are a provider, please visit the CDPHE website for information about the new requirements and expanded screening recommendations for syphilis.
Learn more by visiting the CDPHE syphilis information page.
