Colorado's flu season is underway, and health officials say it's starting earlier than usual

Colorado's flu season is underway, and health officials say it's starting earlier than usual.

"Holiday season is flu season," said Dr. Neil Cella, a pediatric ER physician.

Cella, who works at HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children's at Presbyterian St. Luke's in Denver said the hospital is busy treating flu patients ranging from babies to teenagers.

CBS Colorado's Kelly Werthmann interviews Dr. Neil Cella. CBS

"Influenza is the most common virus we're seeing right now," Cella said, explaining some of the symptoms, "Fever is prominent, heavy runny nose, cough, sore throat, and then fatigue and muscle aches."

He added that other respiratory viruses, including RSV and COVID cases, are circulating as well.

Statewide, flu activity is climbing. Data from the Colorado Department of Public He