Missouri sees increase in flu and COVID cases during winter months
COLUMBIA Mo. (KMIZ)
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has seen an increase in flu and flu-like illnesses between December and January.
According to the CDC, flu activity typically peaks in February, followed by December, January and March. Boone Health's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robin Blount adds that she also sees an increase in respiratory illnesses in the winter.
"It follows all the travel that occurred over the holidays, people went all over the country and got exposed to everything going on all over the country and then brought it back," Blount said.
Flu cases peaked with 6,371 in the third week of December and saw a slight dip entering into January with 4,790 cases.
Boone County has seen a general increase with cases spiking from 72 to 120 from the beginning of December to the beginning of January.
According to Blount, Boone Health has also seen an increase in COVID-19 and walking pneumonia.
To reduce the risk of getting sick and prevent the spread of illnesses, it is recommended for people to avoid touching their face, wash hands frequently and to cough and sneeze into the elbow.
It's also recommended to practice healthy habits like staying in shape, getting good sleep, and eating nutritious foods to support the immune system.
Blount adds that when sick, it's recommended to stay home from work or school and to wear a mask to prevent other people from getting sick.
"Do the right thing from a good citizen standpoint and stay home when you're not well," Blount said.
She also recommends people get a flu shot or COVID booster.
"It is never too late. This is flu season. It does take a couple of weeks for any vaccine to kick in, but if you have not gotten this year's flu vaccine, please do, it is your best opportunity to avoid illness yourself and avoid spreading it to other people"
She adds that while COVID may be minor to healthy people, it can be deadly to others like those with cancer, diabetes and kidney disease.
"We have a lot of vulnerable people in our population. If you're around grandma or a friend who is immunocompromised or has a chronic illness, we have a responsibility as a society to protect those around us."
