MU Health doc warns flu activity still rising, peak not reached

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Seasonal influenza activity levels remain very high in Missouri.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, there have been 33,681 flu cases reported this season.

For the week ending on Jan. 3, the department reported 7,582 new cases. 89% of those cases were Influenza A cases.

MU Health Care pediatric infectious diseases specialist, Dr. Amruta Padhye, said the state has not hit the peak of cases.

Padhye said clinics and hospitals in the MU Health Care system are seeing an increase in flu cases along with other viruses like RSV, strep throat and ear infections.

MU Health Care has reported an increase in emergency room visits due to flu and respiratory illness, increasing wait times. Even if you get the flu once this season, you can still get sick again, according to Padhye.

"I still recommend the influenza vaccine after recovery from that current illness, because we also see influenza B this time of the year," Padhye said. "You can still get influenza, whether it's the same type or the other type later in the season."

According to guidance from MU Health Care, anyone with severe symptoms should get emergency care. This includes difficulty breathing, severe dehydration, confusion, or chest pain with the flu.

"We have a list of symptoms for which to seek care in a quick care versus urgent care or versus emergency care," Padhye said. "I would recommend looking at that list, kind of to help yourself, to help guide where to seek care."