Flu season headed for its peak

The holidays are only a few weeks away, and Boone Hospital Center officials said it takes a while for the flu shot to be effective. They said those who want it should get it now.

“It takes about two weeks, so if you want to get it before the holidays get it now,” said Brenda Wilson, health promotions nurse with Boone Hospital Center.

According to the Center for Disease Control, flu season starts the first week of October and runs through the last week of September.

“Flu season for us is typically at its peak in January and February,” Wilson said.

This year, there have been 45 recorded cases of the flu in Boone County, according to the Department of Public Health. In the state of Missouri, there have been 1,658 reported cases.

“If you think you have the flu, stay home, rest, drink plenty of fluids,” Wilson said.