Flu Plagues Mid-Missouri

Local Mid-Missouri clinics have been packed over the weekend with people showing signs of the flu. It’s happening across the country during what’s considered one of the worst flu seasons on record.Doctors have seen people flooding through their doors, even though the flu’s been bad since September the season’s not close to being over until after February.”A lot of flu just a lot of people that are feeling rough they are getting hit like a truck with aches and the cough and the sore throat,” said Dr. Jason zerrer with Providence Urgent Care.ABC 17 News has been checking in with doctors about how to lower people’s risk of getting sick. Our crews found as the flu runs rampant, people need to protect themselves “It all enters right through respiratory, viruses can live on surfaces for a few hours so keep your hands washed keep them away from your face,” said Zerrer. Offices and schools are perfect for germs to fester and then get people sick.The flu can be spread easily from touching everyday items like a phone, door, or keyboard. “You are in each others space a sneeze a cough it had hit somebody fast and all of the sudden you have spread respiratory droplets of fluid every where I mean it’s pretty easy,” said Zerrer.Doctors also suggest people take simple steps like washing their hands often, wipe down surfaces, and always be cautious when you cough or sneeze. “Not covering a cough with you hands anymore go to your elbow or arm because your hands are everywhere.” Health experts suggest not going to work or school if someone feels sick; also if people have a fever, persistent cough, and body aches its time to go to the doctor.