The flu has sickened more than 6,300 people in Colorado and killed at least five children, and flu season is still a month from reaching its usual peak, U.S. authorities said.

Carrieann Williams is comforted by her father in-law Theodore Williams after speaking to reporters about the flu death of her 8-year-old son Nov 25, 2003. [AP]

For those it hasn't yet sickened, the threat has prompted some lifestyle changes.

Three-year-old Alyvia Gonzales showed up at day care Wednesday with a big can of spray disinfectant.

Her mother, Richelle Gonzales, said the Auraria Child Care Center asks parents for disinfectant, tissues and other supplies from time to time, and it appears to be working. So far, only one of the center's 295 children has become seriously ill with flu.

"I think it's one of those things," Gonzales said. "You keep your kids healthy. If you're going to get it, you're going to get it."

Colorado reported 6,306 cases Wednesday, an increase of 1,619 from Monday. Although it's early in the season, Colorado has already had more cases than in the previous two flu seasons combined, 6,239. Usually, the flu peaks in January.

Ten states are currently dealing with a widespread flu outbreak, most of them the West, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

In Colorado, a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old from suburban Thornton died of the flu this week, following the deaths last month of children ages 15, 8 and 21 months. State officials were trying to determine if the death of two other children, ages 2 and 11, was caused by flu.

Reports about the flu have prompted a run on health clinics for vaccinations. Health department workers in El Paso County alone booked most of its 1,200 available inoculations by late Wednesday and were making appointments for 1,300 more they expected to have available.

Carole Healer got a flu shot for herself and her 2-year-old daughter Halle, mostly to protect her 4-month-old daughter Gwen. Another precaution, she said, is "a lot of hand washing."

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