St. Charles County Flu Report for Period Ending 1/27/23

The Department of Public Health collaborates with medical professionals, as well as local, regional, state and federal agencies, to monitor the well-being of St. Charles County residents throughout the year. During flu season (late fall through early spring in our community), the department tracks cases of influenza reported through doctor's offices, health clinics, medical laboratories and area hospitals. This report is a compilation of those reported cases.

Please click the most recent "St. Charles County Flu Report" link below or the weekly graphic to view the most recent influenza report.

• Total cases reported since the 2022-2023 season began in October 2022 - 7,321
• Total cases reported for the week ending 1/27/23 - 53*
• Total cases reported for the previous period - 87*

*Please note that the number indicated for this period only reflects cases received by the health department from medical professionals. This may not necessarily be an account of the actual number of influenza cases within this community during the period.

A contagious respiratory illness, influenza is spread through everyday interaction. Common symptoms include fever, cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, nausea and general fatigue, and these typically last for a few days to a long week. However, in some cases - especially in those 65 or older, people with certain chronic medical conditions and young children - the illness can be more severe and life threatening.

To prevent the spread of the flu, the Department of Public Health recommends:

• All individuals 6 months of age or older receive a flu vaccination.
• Washing hands and surfaces regularly with soap and clean water or using sanitizer.
• Covering mouths when coughing or sneezing.
• Receiving medical care immediately after noticing flu symptoms and following doctor recommendations.
• Individuals who are sick stay home until they have no fever for at least 24 hours.