It seems that holiday cheer isn't the only thing spreading this season.
All four clinics operating under Elk River Health Services Inc. have seen positive cases of influenza in the last month, with a spike in the last few weeks.
Although the facilities were unable to release the exact number of cases, reports are given weekly through the state of Missouri's Flu Surveillance Program following CDC's guidelines. For the week of Dec.28, 2014, to January 3, 2015, a total of 2,871 positive cases of Influenza Type A were reported state-wide. Down from 5,953 the previous week, although the estimated influenza activity in Missouri remains at widespread.
Symptoms of the flu often mimic those of a cold. Here are a few ways to tell whether you've caught a common cold or the dreaded flu.
• Fever -- Usually very mild if cold, can easily top 100 degrees and lasts 3 to 4 days if flu;
• Headache -- Rarely occurs if cold, common if flu;
• Extreme exhaustion -- Never occurs if cold, common at the beginning of illness if flu;
If experiencing symptoms such as a stuffy nose, sneezing or a sore throat, it is likely a cold as these symptoms are less common with the flu.
If you have not received a flu vaccine but are interested, vaccines for children and adults are available at all four clinics operated by Elk River Health Services Inc. while supplies last. Contact the offices: Anderson Rural Health Clinic at 417-845-6984, Goodman Family Clinic at 417-364-8300, Pineville Medical Clinic at 417-223-4290, and Southwest City Community Clinic at 417-762-3287. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
General News on 01/22/2015