Missouri has reported three flu-related deaths for the 2019-2020 influenza season, including one in Jefferson County.
Dylan Steigerwald, the Health Department’s epidemiologist, said the flu-related death was an adult.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has not released any information on the other two deaths.
The flu season officially started Sept. 29 and as of Nov. 30, Missouri had seen 1,548 cases of flu. Jefferson County had a total of 94 laboratory-positive flu cases as of Dec. 7, according to Jefferson County Health Department reports.
Last year, the county had about 103 cases during the same period, according to Health Department records.
Of the flu cases reported in Jefferson County this year, 52 were type A cases and 42 type B cases, the Health Department reported.
Of the cases in Missouri, 49.3 percent of cases were type A, 50.1 percent were type B and .6 percent were untyped, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports.
Steigerwald said there has been an increase in recent flu cases in the Northwest region of the state, which includes Kansas City and surrounding areas.
He said he has not seen any real recent increase in flu cases in Jefferson County, but based on past seasons, cases normally increase in December.
During the 2018-2019 season, there were 2,466 positive cases and 10 flu-related deaths over the eight months. That compares to 3,982 cases and 16 deaths during the 2017-2018 season, the worst on record for Jefferson County.
Steigerwald said he recommends that anyone over the age of 6 months get the flu vaccination.
“For those who haven’t already been vaccinated, it is important to know that it’s not too late,” said Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. “We are approaching the peak of flu season, so now is still a great time to protect yourself and others around you by being vaccinated.”
If someone has insurance, the shot will most likely be covered.
The Health Department takes part in a program called Vaccines for Children, which provides flu shots to those 18 years and younger who are uninsured or underinsured, Steigerwald said.
The flu shot is available at all three Health Department locations: the Hillsboro office, 405 Main St.; the Arnold office, 1818 Lonedell Road; and the High Ridge office, 5684 Hwy. PP, next to the Northwest Branch of the Jefferson County Library. The offices are open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Steigerwald said flu symptoms include fever, aches, chills or sweating, and weakness.
He advises people who get the flu to wash their hands frequently and stay away from others.
“Stay home from work and school, especially while you are still running a fever,” Steigerwald said.