JEFFERSON CITY — This yr, the US has seen record-high hospitalization charges for flu sufferers, based on the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. That is unusually early, as the everyday flu season peak occurs between December and February.
As of Friday, the CDC mentioned that to this point this season, there have been a minimum of 880,000 flu sicknesses and 360 deaths from the flu throughout the U.S. Among the worst circumstances have been within the southeast and south-central a part of the nation.
However Missouri can also be seeing elevated circumstances. In the course of the week of Oct. 16 to Oct. 22, 323 optimistic circumstances of the flu had been reported, based on information from the Missouri Division of Well being and Senior Companies. Final yr, throughout the identical week, solely 28 circumstances had been reported.
October flu information
| 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Week 42 | 323 | 28 |
| Week 41 | 170 | 32 |
| Week 40 | 80 | 28 |
Roberts Drug Retailer pharmacist Calli Kempker mentioned it has been a busy month for flu pictures at her pharmacy in Jefferson Metropolis.
“The vaccine is tremendous essential to get this yr particularly with them seeing the flu ramp up earlier this yr than regular,” Kempker mentioned.
She mentioned particularly the start of October was hectic, however she’s beginning to see appointments decelerate. She mentioned even should you’re feeling vaccine fatigue, it is essential to remain updated.
“I do not suppose as many individuals wish to get the flu shot this yr, however I stress the significance it’s to assist shield your self,” Kempker mentioned. “It is higher off to get the flu shot than to be caught with the flu for every week or two feeling terrible.”
Variety of laboratory-positive influenza circumstances by CDC Week in Missouri, from 2019 to 2023
The CDC recommends folks get their flu shot earlier than the tip of October. As of Friday, about 128 million doses of flu vaccine have been distributed this season, in contrast with 140 million at this level final yr and 156 million the yr earlier than that.
Eric Maze, a spokesperson for MU Well being Care, mentioned about 5,000 flu pictures have been given out at its weekend clinics all through October. COVID-19 vaccine co-chair Dr. Laura Morris mentioned she anticipated the inflow of flu circumstances this yr as a result of fewer individuals are carrying masks.
“We have gone again to actually a standard life,” Morris mentioned. “That is a very good factor in a number of methods however what it means is we’ve got much more alternatives to share respiratory viruses together with influenza.”
This flu season this yr is compounded by RSV, COVID-19 and different viruses. Final week, the CDC reported the five-week common of optimistic RSV circumstances in Missouri has reached its highest level because the summer time of 2021.
The Columbia/Boone County Public Well being and Human Companies presents flu pictures on the well being division, 1005 West Worley Avenue. Name 573-874-7249 to make an appointment.
Anybody aged six months or older can obtain a vaccine. A high-dose flu shot is offered particularly for these 65 and older.
A listing of the insurance coverage suppliers accepted by way of the VaxCare billing system will be discovered on PHHS’ web site. For self-pay residents, the price of the vaccine is $25. Receipts can be obtainable upon request.