Flu still present in Mid-Missouri

The flu season is winding down, but Mid-Missouri doctors tell ABC 17 they’re still seeing cases of the flu.

Some doctors said they’ve seen more cases in just the past couple weeks than they’ve seen all season.

Dr. Tara Flynn told ABC 17, “It’s always hard to know when flu season ends. We kind of have a better idea when it begins and when it peaks.”

Dr. Flynn said it’s never too late in the season to catch the flu. Just yesterday, her office confirmed three cases.

She said flu numbers are down this year, but they’re seeing more people come in suffering from the virus’s lingering effects.

“A persistent cough and sore throat are consistent with the flu and once the people have the fever and the aches go away, those seem to stay for a while, especially the cough, even for weeks,” Dr. Flynn said.

So far, this season, there have been more than 700 confirmed cases of the flu in Boone County. Forty were reported just last week, but that’s down by 70% compared to this time last year.

Dr. Flynn said it’s easier to catch the flu when you’re heading out for Spring vacation, “When you’re traveling, you’re contacting more surfaces, more people and sometimes, in a closed setting such as planes and airports that you’re more likely to come into contact with the virus itself.”

Doctors say the best way to avoid the flu this time of year is to wash your hands and stay away from those with flu symptoms.