Springfield hospitals encourage flu shots as cases rise

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Springfield hospitals encourage you to get a flu shot.

The Greene County Health Department reported 201 flu cases last week, up from 56 cases the previous week. As winter comes and cold weather sets in, people spend more time indoors with lots of friends and family. While many of us share the joy of the holidays, we also share the germs.

“We usually see more cases after the holidays because people get together with family from out of town,” Dr. Barbra Bumberry from Mercy.

Children between the ages of 5 and 14 were most affected, with 73 of the 201 confirmed cases.

“Children are at higher risk because they are at school and in close quarters with other children,” Dr. Bumberry. “They also don’t have the same hygiene. Maybe they are not as good at washing their hands and the contact between the children is closer.”

Last week, Mercy reported that 34 people came to the emergency room with the flu. Hospital officials expect the numbers to rise even further in the coming weeks and are encouraging everyone six months old or older to get a flu shot.

“The flu shot is not 100% effective at preventing the flu,” said Dr. Bumberry. “It’s actually about 40-60% effective, which may not sound like a lot, but if you’re in one of those high-risk categories, it could be the difference between being hospitalized because even if it doesn’t prevent you from getting the flu.” , the risk of being hospitalized or dying from complications is reduced.”

If you have the flu, doctors recommend you go to the hospital if you have serious symptoms.

“If someone experiences symptoms of severe dehydration, if they feel dizzy or lightheaded when standing up, if their blood pressure is lower than usual,” said Dr. Bumberry. “If they have chest pain, it can be a precursor to a heart attack. If you have someone, especially if they have lung disease, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, those are all reasons.”

Even if you were vaccinated last year, it is important to get vaccinated again this year to protect yourself from changing flu viruses. If you want to get a flu shot, talk to your doctor. To find a location near you, click HERE.

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