ST. LOUIS COUNTY – The cases of the flu continue to pile up in St. Louis County. For the third week in a row, more than 1,000 flu cases were reported.
In St. Louis County, from Oct. 1, 2017 – Jan. 14, 2018, the Department of Health reported 5,488 cases of Influenza A and Influenza B. Just in the last three weeks, more than 3,600 cases have been reported.
“This isn’t just about protecting yourself, although that is certainly important,” said County Executive Stenger. “If you’re sick, stay home and rest.”
The county set a record for the highest number of flu cases reported in a week during the week of Dec. 31, 2017, when 1,304 cases were reported.
“Getting the flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting yourself and your family against the flu,” Public Health Department Director Dr. Faisal Khan said. “But if you do find yourself with flulike symptoms, call your doctor.”
If you think you may have the flu, the department recommends that you contact your healthcare provider for possible treatment – especially if you have a fever of 100° F or higher. Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, tiredness or fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
St. Louis County is not the only place hit hard by the flu this season. According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, more than 30,000 cases have been reported statewide since Oct. 1.
The City of St. Louis said 1,848 cases have been confirmed since Oct. 31.
READ MORE: Early flu season hitting Missouri hard
