The first full week of the holiday shopping season saw a spike in the number people coming down with influenza in the St. Louis area. The most common symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle or body aches. Flu viruses spread by tiny droplets when a person with flu coughs, sneezes, or talks. It is easy for flu viruses to spread during travel or while getting together with friends and family.
When certain people get sick, they are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. Some of these complications are very serious and can lead to death. Those at high risk for flu-related complications include people age 65 years and older, persons with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children.
For the past two weeks, over 200 patients have visited Barnes-Jewish Hospital’s emergency department for flu-like symptoms, a spokesman said, adding that this does not mean they were all influenza-positive.
“We are seeing a steadily increasing number of patients with influenza in the community and in the hospital,” said Steve Lawrence, MD, Washington University infectious disease expert at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
“We anticipate seeing influenza circulating for at least the next two or three months. For those who haven’t yet received a flu shot, now is the best time because we have not yet hit peak activity and it takes two weeks for it to take effect.”
The City of St. Louis Department of Health said there had been 33 confirmed cases of influenza reported in the St. Louis from October 1 through December 2. Influenza A accounted for 31 of those cases, and there were two reported cases of Influenza B.
Faisal Khan, MD, director of the St. Louis County Department of Health, said the county had reported 281 cases of the flu this season (254 of Influenza A, 27 of Influenza B) – and the number is going up.
“Weekly case totals for the past three weeks have increased from 35 to 62 to 96,” Khan said.
Since October 1, Christian Hospital has seen at least 91 patients with Influenza A and 11 patients with Influenza B. At least a dozen patients were hospitalized.
Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Centers reported a significant increase in the number of diagnosed influenza cases this flu season. Its clinical staff has diagnosed 236 influenza visits compared to 147 this time last year.
Since November 1, SSM Health in St. Louis reports its hospitals and outpatient centers saw 193 positive influenza tests among patients, with approximately one-third of those cases occurring from November 26 through December 2. That week, positive tests were dispersed across all age groups, according to a spokesperson, with 51 persons being admitted and 25 vaccinated.”
According to Missouri health officials, as of November 25 there were 1,545 cases of the flu reported to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, compared to 379 cases reported during the same time last year, when the 2016-2017 season saw more than 70,000 confirmed influenza cases in Missouri. If these trends continue, the state could see even more during the 2017-2018 season.
“All indications are that we are seeing more flu earlier in the year, and we anticipate more cases,” said Randall Williams, MD, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. “Now is the time to get your flu shot if you haven’t already. The flu shot combined with proper handwashing are the two most effective things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that flu results in between 9.2 million and 35.6 million illnesses, between 140,000 and 710,000 hospitalizations, and between 12,000 and 56,000 deaths annually in the U.S.
A flu vaccine is the best form of defense to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to reach its full protective abilities. According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, people with flu can pass the virus on to others a day before feeling sick and sometimes for about a week after feeling better.
In addition to getting a flu shot, it is important to practice the following behaviors throughout the flu season, which usually begins to increase in the fall, peak in February and can last into spring.
Avoid close contact with sick people.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after touching shared objects or surfaces such as door knobs, light switches, remote controls, shopping counters, debit card readers, etc. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces.
Stay home while you are sick, and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
“Providers certainly expect to see an increase of influenza during the winter months, said Dr. Leslie Etuk, chief medical officer at Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Centers.
“Obviously, patients are encouraged to get a flu shot every year. However, if patients have not had one this year, it is not too late. Myrtle Hilliard Davis still has flu vaccines readily available.”
To find a flu vaccine location near you, visit health.mo.gov/flu.
– Sandra Jordan
