Flu Vaccination Recommended as Flu Activity Begins to Pick Up

While overall flu activity remains low, positive cases in Missouri are pickup up. The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services is reminding Missourians to get vaccinated as part of National Immunization Vaccination Week.

Flu vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, including children age 5 and under, adults older than 65, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.

Flu viruses are constantly changing and protection from vaccination decreases over time, so getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to prevent flu. Public health experts are concerned about the potential for reduced immunity in people who are already at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, especially those with chronic health conditions. In past flu seasons, 9 out of 10 adults hospitalized for flu had at least one underlying medical condition.

Nearly every year in the United States, millions of people get the flu, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and thousands die from flu-related illnesses. The most common symptoms of flu are fever, cough, and sore throat. Symptoms can also include body aches, headaches, chills, runny nose and fatigue.

Fore more information contact your healthcare provider, or find a location near you for a flu vaccine at Vaccines.gov. For more information regarding flu in Missouri, visit MOStopsFlu.com.