01/03/2026
🦠🦠 Flu cases are surging in Missouri, doubling in only a week’s time. The best protection from serious illness and hospitalization is the yearly flu shot - come get your child’s flu shot today! 💉
Missourians should take extra steps to stay healthy as flu season continues to worsen. Since the beginning of October, DHSS has recorded 9,255 laboratory-confirmed influenza (flu) cases and 558 flu-related hospitalizations statewide. 4,589 of those cases occurred in one week.
The flu can lead to serious health outcomes. Vulnerable populations can have severe complications, but anybody can get very sick from the flu.
The best defense against the flu is a yearly flu shot. DHSS recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive a flu shot as soon as possible. It is not too late to start protecting yourself and others! Vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications, especially for high-risk groups such as seniors, young children and individuals with chronic health conditions.
🧼 Wash your hands often and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
🤧 Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not with your hands
🤒 Stay home if you are sick, especially if you have a fever
🦠 Avoid touching your face to stop germs from spreading
🧽 Disinfect any surfaces where germs could live
Flu shots are available for free or for a low cost. Contact your local public health agency or local pharmacy to find a flu shot near you.