Flu cases are on the rise

COLUMBIA, Mo- While winter’s days are numbered the amount of influenza cases are increasing.

The number of cases this year are extremely smaller than last. As of Monday the number of cases in Boone County that had been reported was 154. After the season ended last year there were 2,399. Some attribute the high numbers last season to the vaccine not reacting properly with the strand of flu virus.

Health experts say the elderly and young children are typically the victims of the flu. Public Information Officer for the Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services, Andrea Waner says, “Kids that are in school, it’s a little bit like a petri dish. Kids tend to not be the greatest at hand washing or covering coughs and sneezes, but they’re learning of course.”

Health experts also say they’re not quite sure why the flu spikes in January and February but its consistently seen each year. Waner says it probably has something to do with the holiday traveling and being in contact with so many people.

While there is no specific hot spot for influenza germs, Waner advises to wash hands often especially after going to frequently visited spots such as gas pumps and door handles.

She also says the best precaution is the vaccine, “The flu vaccine this year is a better match for the flu that’s circulating.”

Health experts say its not too late to get the vaccine and the flu season should end around April or May.