In the past two weeks, the number of cases of influenza has tripled in St. Louis County. Those who haven’t received seasonal flu vaccinations yet are being strongly advised to do so. Health officials say the flu has arrived earlier in the St. Louis area this year.
“We have seen significantly more cases – with half of the cases among children and teenagers – and this concerns us because this is a vaccine-preventable disease,” said Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, director of the St. Louis County Department of Health. “Getting vaccinated isn’t just about protecting yourself – it’s also about protecting others. If you don’t catch the flu, then you can’t spread it to those who are more vulnerable like infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.”
Each flu season, between 15 million to 60 million Americans are infected by seasonal flu, causing more than 200,000 people are hospitalizations and around 36,000 deaths from flu-related complications.
Other standard precautions being urged by the county health department include:
• Coughing and sneezing into a tissue or into your sleeve – not into your hands.
• Washing your hands often, especially after using the restroom, after coughing or sneezing or before preparing food.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as much as possible (this is how the flu virus spreads).
• Keeping a supply of flu-related foods and medicines in your home to avoid having to shop after you get sick.
• Maintaining a distance of three feet between you and others, especially if you think you are sick.
• If you or your child does get sick, stay at home until fully recovered.
• Speaking to medical providers by phone to avoid in-person contact.
The health department reporters there is currently no shortage of flu vaccine or antiviral medication in the St. Louis area; however, the department will continue to monitor the availability of vaccine and antiviral medications in collaboration with health care providers.
To find out where to go for a flu vaccination, visit www.SaintLouisCountyFlu.com.