Flu Prevention

Influenza symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. The best way to prevent influenza is to get an influenza vaccine each year as soon as the vaccine is available to the public. Other forms of prevention include hand washing and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers; covering your coughs and sneeze with a disposable tissue or your arm or sleeve; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; avoid close contact with persons who are sick; stay home when you are sick. Most people who develop influenza will recover with bed rest and do not need medical care or flu antiviral medications.

In certain situations (e.g., influenza outbreaks in settings like nursing homes) flu antiviral medications may be prescribed to high-risk individuals to prevent them from developing influenza. Studies show that flu antiviral medications work best for treatment when they are started within 48 hours of getting sick. However, starting treatment later can still be helpful, especially if the sick person has a high-risk health condition or is very sick from the flu. Follow your health care provider’s instructions for taking these medications.

Weekly Influenza Surveillance Reports

2023-2024 (New)

Missouri Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report 2023-2024 Influenza Season