The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is noticing a rise in influenza cases. 

Health officials says in the last seven days, weekly flu cases in Greene County have doubled from 42 to 84.

Even more, that number is much higher than the past two years.

At this point in 2019, the number of cases was 69 and in 2020, the number was at 32. 

Press Release:

So far this flu season, Greene County has reported 212 cases of influenza, highlighting the importance of getting vaccinated. In the last seven days, weekly influenza cases in Greene County doubled from 42 per week to 84.

This is up significantly from the last two years. At this point in 2019, 69 total cases were reported. In 2020, only 32 total cases were reported.

Get vaccinated to get protected

The Health Department urges the community to choose vaccination this flu season.

Getting the annual flu vaccine is the best preventive measure to reduce severity of disease, should a person contract the flu. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, and it’s important to get vaccinated early, before peak season during winter months. It takes the body about two weeks after vaccination to build antibodies against the flu.

The flu vaccine is widely available in Greene County. You can learn more information about flu vaccines and find a location to get vaccinated at vaccine417.com.

Additional prevention methods

Low influenza numbers in the 2020 flu season were likely due in part to COVID-19 prevention measures. This highlights the importance of preventative actions that reduce transmission of viral diseases:

• Washing your hands.
• Covering coughs and sneezes.
• Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
• Wearing a mask.

These measures can help reduce transmission of influenza.

If you get the flu

If you think you have the flu, stay home and seek medical care. The CDC recommends staying home until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

Common flu symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue

If emergency flu symptoms arise, such as shortness of breath, chest pain or a fever over 104 degrees Fahrenheit in children, seek immediate medical care.