The Texas County Health Department is monitoring influenza activity weekly.
As of Jan. 1, there have been 13 positive cases, including six in the past week.
The break down by age
Influenza A (11 total)
• 0-1: 1
• 2-4: 3
• 5-14: 0
• 15-24: 4
• 25-49: 2
• 50-64: 1
• 65-up: 0
Influenza B (2 total)
• 5-14: 1
• 25-49: 1
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Missouri is reporting regional activity, which means there are outbreaks of flu in at least two but less than half the regions of the state.
Some ways to protect your family, yourself and the community:
Family
• Get your family vaccinated against seasonal flu.
• Establish healthy practices of hand washing and not sharing personal items.
• Stockpile food and medication in case you need to voluntarily isolate or quarantine yourself and your family.
• Make arrangements for child care if schools close and talk to your employer about flexible work schedules.
Yourself
• Get a seasonal flu shot.
• Wash your hands.
• Keep a distance of at least six feet from people who are sick.
• Choose a healthy lifestyle to build your immune system (including get adequate sleep, reduce stress, stop smoking and using tobacco products, stay physically active, choose nutritious foods and drink plenty of water).
Community
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Keep kids home when they have a fever (for at least 24 hours after their fever goes away without the use of medications).
• Cover your cough.
• Wash your hands.