Missouri’s flu activity for 2017-2018 is showing widespread.
The season currently is very similar to what was seen during the 2014-2015 flu
season, both in the timing and amount of cases reported. A season total of
almost 31,000 cases were reported to the Department of Health and Senior
Services through the first week of 2018. During the same time period in the
2014-2015 flu season, 32,528 flu cases were reported statewide.
While the current flu season is similar to the 2014-2015
season, it’s important to remember that flu is hard to predict, but you can
help prevent the spread of the flu. The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to
get vaccinated every year.
How can I prevent the flu?
- Get
a yearly flu vaccination.
- Avoid
close contact with sick people.
- Wash
your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available,
use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Cover
your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the
tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Avoid
touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean
and disinfect commonly touched surfaces.
- Stay
home while you’re sick and limit contact with others to keep from
infecting them.
How does the flu spread?
Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to
person through droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. Flu
viruses also may spread when people touch something with flu virus on it and
then touch their mouth, eyes or nose. Many other viruses spread these ways too.
People infected with flu may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before
symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. That means you may be
able to spread the flu to someone else before you know you are sick as well as
while you are sick. Young children, those who are severely ill, and those who
have severely weakened immune systems may be able to infect others for longer
than 5-7 days.
How do I know if I have the flu?
The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu
often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have
vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
What should I do if I have the flu?
Most people with flu have mild illness and do not need
medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu symptoms, drink
plenty of water and other clear liquids to prevent dehydration; get plenty of
rest; and treat symptoms such as fever with over-the-counter medicines. In
addition, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people
except to get medical care. You should stay home for at least 24 hours after
fever is gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
Remember that groups of people at high risk for flu-related
complications include children age 5 and under, adults older than 65, pregnant
women, and those with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions
such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease. If you have symptoms of the flu and
are in a high risk group, or have questions or concerns, contact your primary
health care provider.
For more information or to find a flu vaccine location near
you, visit health.mo.gov/flu.
About the Missouri Department of Health and Senior
Services: The department seeks to be the leader in promoting, protecting
and partnering for health. More information about DHSS can be found at health.mo.gov.
