Colorado health officials just released new numbers that bring a small sigh of relief to worried parents and grandparents. For the first time in weeks, RSV hospitalizations across the state have dipped slightly, even as they still outpace COVID-19 and flu cases combined.
The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment dashboard updated Thursday shows the state recorded fewer than 239 RSV hospital stays in the most recent reporting week, down from 239 the week before and 261 at the peak two weeks ago.
This marks the first week-over-week decline since early January.
Still Higher Than COVID and Flu Combined
Yes, you read that right. In the week ending February 8, Colorado hospitals admitted more people for RSV than for COVID-19 and influenza put together.
State data shows:
- RSV hospitalizations: ≈ 230 (preliminary, exact number pending final count)
- COVID-19 hospitalizations: 142
- Influenza hospitalizations: 81
That means a single respiratory virus is still putting more strain on Colorado hospitals than the other two combined.
Children’s Hospital Colorado continues to operate at or near capacity. The Aurora campus reported treating more than 1,800 RSV-positive patients since October 1, with some days seeing 90 to 100 new cases.
Why This Small Drop Matters (And Why It Might Not Last)
Doctors caution that one good week does not mean the season is over.
“Last year we saw exactly this pattern,” said Dr. Kevin Carney, pediatric infectious disease specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado. “A dip in early February, then another sharp spike that lasted through March.”
State epidemiologists point out that RSV activity remains “very high” across Colorado, the classification the CDC uses for its most severe level.
The slight decline coincides with schools returning from winter break scheduling changes and slightly warmer weather, factors that typically reduce spread. But forecasters predict cold snaps ahead, exactly the conditions that drive RSV transmission.
The Vulnerable Groups Hit Hardest This Season
Infants under six months continue to bear the brunt. The state reports babies in this age group account for nearly half of all RSV hospitalizations despite making up less than 1% of Colorado’s population.
Adults over 75 are the second hardest-hit group. The dashboard shows RSV hospitalization rates in this age group running 3-4 times higher than usual for this point in the season.
Northern Colorado has seen particularly severe impacts. Facilities in Larimer and Weld counties report pediatric ICU beds at 100% capacity multiple times since Christmas.
Prevention Steps That Actually Work Right Now
Health officials stress these proven measures while numbers remain high:
- Keep babies away from anyone with cold symptoms (yes, even family members)
- Wash hands like your child’s life depends on it (because sometimes it does)
- Eligible seniors (75+) should get the RSV vaccine if they haven’t already
- Pregnant women between 32-36 weeks can get the maternal RSV vaccine to protect newborns
The state still has limited supplies of Beyfortus, the monoclonal antibody shot for infants. Priority goes to high-risk babies, but many healthy newborns are going without this year due to national shortages.
The small decline offers hope, but Colorado families have learned the hard way these past few months that RSV doesn’t follow predictable patterns. One week can bring relief. The next can overwhelm emergency rooms again.
For now, parents are breathing just a little easier, watching the dashboard like stock traders watch Wall Street, praying the line keeps trending down.
What has your experience been with RSV this season? Have you noticed fewer sick kids at daycare or school? Share your thoughts below, and if you’re talking about this on social media, use #ColoradoRSV so we can all stay informed together.
