GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - Mesa County residents saw a quick start to the flu season this year; to date, the County had 27 hospitalizations due to the flu this season.

For some good news, the number of flu cases in Mesa County is decreasing.

But that doesn't mean residents who haven't had the flu shot yet are off the hook.

"March historically is an active time for the flu locally, so we can't say for sure that the flu season is over," said Tamara Capp, with the Mesa County Health Department.

The Mesa County Health Department is still offering the flu shot during regular business hours, if you haven’t had a chance to get one yet.

And here are some tips from health officials to help keep the number of flu cases decreasing:
-Avoid close contact with people who are sick
-Stay home is you are sick
-Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
-Wash your hands often