Take Action To Prevent The Flu

Missouri’s flu activity for 2017-18 is widespread. The season currently is very similar to what was seen during the 2014-15 flu season, both in the timing and amount of cases reported. A season total of almost 31,000 cases were reported to the Department of Health and Senior Services through the first week of 2018.

There are a number of steps people can take to prevent the spread of the flu. Among them are:

Get a yearly flu vaccination;

Avoid close contact with sick people;

Wash your hands often with soap and water and, 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 and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it;

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;

Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces; and

Stay home while you’re sick and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

How Does The Flu Spread?

Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Flu viruses also may spread when people touch something with flu virus on it and then touch their mouth, eyes or nose. People infected with flu may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to spread the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

How Do I Know If I Have The Flu?

The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

Fever or feeling feverish/ chills;

Cough;

Sore throat; Runny or stuffy nose; Muscle or body aches; Headaches; Fatigue (tiredness); and Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

What Should I Do If I Have The Flu?

If you get sick with flu symptoms, drink plenty of water and other clear liquids to prevent dehydration; get plenty of rest; and treat symptoms such as fever with over-the-counter medicines. In addition, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care.

For more information or to find a flu vaccine location near you, visit health. mo.gov/flu.