Flu cases surpassing Greene County's previous high with months to ... - News-Leader

Just in time for Christmas, the number of influenza cases in Greene County decreased — going from 1,259 on Dec. 17 to 940 on Dec. 24. But since October, Greene County has reported nearly 5,400 flu cases. It took the whole 2017-2018 season to reach 4,681 cases, the highest number the area had seen before this season.

However, historic data shows that influenza cases increase after the holidays. Does this mean there will be even more cases of flu after New Year's? Probably, according to Springfield-Greene County Health Department Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nancy Yoon.

"We're already surpassing (2017-2018's total), and with flu season going until May, we're already looking at a pretty severe flu season this year," Yoon said.

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According to Cary Lynn Nabors, director of public relations for CoxHealth, influenza A has been the hospital's top diagnosis at the moment, with RSV being the second-most common.

"Our volumes were down last week, likely due to the holiday and weather, but we anticipate it will be higher" when this week's numbers come in, Nabors said.

About 36,000 people died from influenza or complications due to influenza in the 2019-2020 season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children, people over 65, immunocompromised people and pregnant women are at highest risk for falling severely ill with influenza.

If you haven't received your flu shot yet, it's not too late, Yoon said. While the vaccination may not prevent you from getting the flu, it can prevent serious illness. She also encouraged people to stay home when they're feeling sick, even if that means having to miss a New Year's Eve party or a day of school.

More:Everything to know about the common cold and how to treat symptoms

In addition to more influenza cases, the Greene County area has also been seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases. In early December, the 7-day rolling average, number of admissions per 100,000 people and the percent of staffed inpatient beds in use by COVID-19 patients increased the community impact level to medium.

When the community is at a medium impact level, people are advised to stay up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines; get tested if they have symptoms; wear a mask if they have symptoms, positive test or are exposed to someone with COVID-19; and to wear a mask on public transportation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those who are at higher risk for severe illness should consider wearing a mask indoors.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services offers free COVID-19, RSV and influenza testing from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays at Teamsters Hall, 1850 E. Division St.

Susan Szuch is the health and public policy reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com.