The Texas County Health Department reports a significant increase in cases of flu within the county, indicating that more than 100 laboratory-confirmed cases have already been recorded so far this flu season, compared to just 51 last season.
“Just last week we had 70 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza in the county,” said health department administrator Jackie Smith. “We typically do see an increase in cases after the holidays, but that is over half of the cases for the flu season so far, in just one week.”
Hand washing and staying home when sick to help with flu prevention can’t be stressed enough, Smith said.
“You can help protect yourself and your family from flu by washing your hands often with soap and water, not touching your face, and keeping a distance from people who are sick,” she said. “You can also help protect our community by limiting contact with others while you are sick, staying home for at least 24 hours after fever subsides, keeping your children home from school or daycare when they are sick, and coughing or sneezing into the crook of your arm.”
Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and fatigue. Most cases can be treated at home, and don’t require seeking medical treatment, but people who have flu symptoms and are at risk of complications should see their doctor right away, Smith said.
“Antiviral medications taken within the first 48 hours after symptoms begin can help reduce the length of your illness and help prevent complications,” she said.
Flu viruses can change over time, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said vaccination can still offer protection and lessen severe complications that may lead to hospitalization or death. Flu activity most commonly peaks in January or February and can continue to occur as late as May.
For more information, call the Texas County Health Department at 417-967-4131.