Health officials in Boone and Cole counties confirm flu numbers are still on the rise

Health and Human Services officials in Boone and Cole counties confirm that cases of the flu continue to rise as the year ends.

Health and Human Services officials in Boone County said they saw 144 lab confirmed cases of the flu in the week of Dec. 17-23. That brings the total cases of the flu this season to 384, 144 more since the last report.

Cole County Health and Human Services officials said they have had a total of 237 cases of the flu from Oct. 1 through Dec. 23.

Officials said Influenza A viruses continue to be the predominant circulating strains. In the past, A virus-predominant influenza seasons have been associated with more hospitalizations and deaths in persons aged 65 years and older and young children compared to other age groups.

Officials also said that it is not too late for residents to get flu shots and that they should continue to wash their hands and stay away from people who are sick.