Influenza cases on the rise in Missouri

Have you noticed an uptick in co-worker absences lately? That is probably because they have been hit by the dreaded flu bug.

“The flu season was predicted to be significant this past couple of months,” Reilly Allmoslecher, Clinical Director at American Family Care, told NewsTalk KZRG. “We started to see a trickle of flu cases over the holidays, but in talking to my providers and nurses who have been working at the clinic over the past month, they said they have seen an increase in respiratory illnesses altogether, but specifically Influenza A is what they have seen the biggest increase in Joplin.”

How much of an uptick have we seen? Well, we are currently in a stretch that has produced more documented influenza cases this week than at any point last year. Currently, there have been more than 15,000 cases (15, 360) of the flu reported in Missouri during Week 5 of the year. That number trumps the highest totals we saw in Week 8 (9,640) and Week 9 (9,517) of last year. 

So far this flu season, there have been more than 51,000 cases of influenza reported. Of those cases reported, 94 percent have been Influenza A cases. 

The best form of flu prevention is making sure you have the proper vaccinations.

“The biggest thing is to get your flu vaccination,” Allmoslecher said. “If you still haven’t done it, you still have plenty of time. Our clinic, most clinics, still carry it.”

Another way to help with flu prevention is to make sure your body is in the best shape possible to fight off any illness. 

“The biggest thing you can do is to boost your immunity,” Allmoslecher said. “Which means washing your hands, getting really good rest—making sure you’re getting 8 hours of rest if possible, drinking lots of water and eating a nutrient-dense diet. … And get exercise if you can.” 

If you are suffering from flu-like symptoms, it’s best to stay hydrated and keep as many nutrients in your body as possible. You are also advised to go and get checked for an influenza illness.

“The benefits of getting checked is A, you can avoid exposing others if it is the flu,” Allmoslecher said. “B, if you get checked early enough, you can get on Tamaflu, which has shown to lessen the severity of your symptoms and also get you to feeling better a day or so earlier. You can also receive guidance on over-the-counter medications or prescription medications that might be indicated to help your symptoms.

“The big reason to get checked out is if you have lingering symptoms that are starting to worsen. If you’re around the 5 to 7-day mark and your symptoms are continuing to worsen … You certainly want to get checked out at that point to make sure the flu hasn’t predisposed you to anything else.”