Missouri flu cases double between January and February
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported over 14,000 flu cases in CDC Week 6 (Feb. 2 to Feb. 8).
That total is more than double the amount of the 5,000 cases recorded in January (Jan. 5 to Jan. 11).
According to previous reporting, the flu and respiratory illnesses have been on the rise, with one school district in Camden County closing for a day on Jan. 31 due to the flu.
In Boone County, flu cases jumped from a little over 200 cases at the beginning of January to 900 at the end.
CNN found hospitalizations due to flu complications and MRSA pneumonia were also on the rise. These complications include brain swelling in children. Bacterial pneumonia infections often follow a flu.
CNN also found that there have been about 64 flu hospitalizations for every 100,000 people this past season. COVID-19 typically sees 44 hospitalizations in every 100,000 people. There were also around 300 more deaths due to the flu than Covid this past January.
Boone Health spokesman Christian Basi said the emergency department has been seeing a general increase in admitted patients. He said they've been seeing 100 people on average daily, with the flu being a common illness among patients.
"We've seen a lot of different viral agents throughout the community," Basi said.
This marks the first season that there have been more hospitalizations for flu than Covid. However, the current rates are equal to half of what was seen during the peak of the pandemic.
According to CNN, about 44% of adults have a flu shot, consistent with previous years. However, vaccinated children have dropped from 58% before the pandemic to 44% this year.
Flu season can last from October to April.
Experts expect the flu to continue for the next month to six weeks, which is why people are still encouraged to get their flu shots.
"It is never too late to get the flu vaccine," Basi said. "Make sure if you have an opportunity to go out and get it if you haven't gotten it already. That flu vaccine is probably again, your best bet to avoid getting the flu."
It's also recommended people wash their hands frequently and for sick people to mask up and avoid public places to keep others from getting sick.
Most primary care providers can give flu shots. Boone Health Convenient Care also accepts walk-ins but Basi recommends calling ahead. Most insurance providers also cover flu shots, but those who are unsure are advised to call and clarify.
