Flu, COVID-19 numbers show increase in Missouri before holiday travel

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

There have been 639 cases of influenza in Missouri as of Dec. 16, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Based on data from the Centers for Disease and Control, there have been 712 people hospitalized in Missouri due to COVID-19 with the most recent numbers dated on Dec. 16. These numbers could rise due to holiday travel.

MU Health Care currently has 14 inpatients who tested for COVID-19. MU Health said although the patients are positive, it's important to note that that doesn't mean they were hospitalized because of COVID-19.

"Unfortunately, we are definitely seeing and feeling an uptick in influenza right now," Dr. Laura Morris told ABC 17 News. "So, that has definitely started to climb. I don't think it has peaked yet, but it has become noticeable that we do definitely have more influenza in our communities, in particular Influenza A."

Morris said COVID-19 numbers and hospitalizations in the state have increased. However, MU Health Care hasn't seen high numbers yet, but the majority of people diagnosed with COVID-19 have been in an outpatient setting. The numbers are expected to climb after data is collected following Christmas and New Year's.

"Right now is maybe not not that significant, not that severe," Morris said. "But how we behave now and what we do as we travel and get together over the holidays can influence how this looks and how this goes. In January, which is still really important and even somewhat unpredictable."