Local health departments stress prevention amid rising flu numbers

January through February is typically known as peak flu season in the medical community, something that is proving true in Butler and Ripley counties.

According to information provided by the Butler County Health Department, the total number of flu cases went from 60 reported cases in December to 260 in January.

Kaci O’Neill, director of the Community Urgent Care in Poplar Bluff, said the clinic has seen a significant increase in the number of patients and flu cases in the past week and a half.

“I would say that we’re averaging about 100 patients per day,” O’Neill explained. “I don’t know exactly how many of those cases have been the flu, but I do know a big portion of that number has been influenza type A.”

O’Neill said the clinic has established a standing order for more flu tests to be delivered because they have had to use so many — and, at one point, they briefly ran out of flu tests.

In-house testing is generally not reported to the health department since those cases are not laboratory-positive confirmed cases, said Butler County Health Department communicable disease specialist Holly Kelly.

The increase in numbers is not particular to Butler County. According to Ripley County Health Department Director Tammy Cosgrove, they had a total reported 29 flu cases (both A and B) in December and jumped to a combined 98 flu cases in January.

“I feel like it is probably higher than what it usually is,” Cosgrove remarked. “I don’t have the data from previous years in front of me at the moment, but I do think the number is larger than usual.”

No one from the Stoddard County Health Department was available to provide information or comment at the time of this publication.

Prevention is key

Cosgrove said she encourages people to get the flu vaccine each year, due to the positive effects that can result.

“Getting the flu vaccine doesn’t mean you won’t get the flu,” Cosgrove explained. “But it does help improve your chances of staying healthy. And if you do get the flu, the vaccine could help ensure that you don’t get as sick as you might without the vaccine.”

Kelly provided prevention information and said it is important to identify the symptoms of influenza as soon as possible in order to stop the spread.

According to Kelly, symptoms include chills, body aches, fever and headache. In some cases, an individual may also have a sore throat, a cough, and/or a runny nose. The contagious period for spreading the illness is generally considered to be during the 24 hours before symptoms and up to seven days after the illness begins. The Centers for Disease Control reports people with flu are most contagious during the first three days of their illness.

Without taking steps to prevent the spread, a public health issue could emerge.

“My mom teaches in Corning, Arkansas,” O’Neill remarked. “They had to close school a couple days last week because so many had the flu. I know some other schools in the region had to do the same thing for the same reason.”

Dexter schools were closed Monday due to illness but resumed classes Tuesday.

People are advised to always cover their noses and mouths with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing. Hand washing is always important and should be practiced after coming into contact with different public services or items touched by someone who is already infected.

It is also advised to clean and disinfect anything that comes into contact with secretions from the nose and mouth, including door knobs, refrigerator handles, water faucets and cupboard handles.