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 to early spring in our community), the department tracks cases of influenza reported through doctor’s offices, medical laboratories and area hospitals. This report is a compilation of those reported cases.
Please click the "St. Charles County Flu Report" link below or the graphic to the right to view the most recent influenza report.
Total cases reported since current season began in Oct. 2018 - 59
Total reports received for the week ending 12/8/18 - 10*
Total reports received for the previous week - 4*
*Please note that the number for this period only reflects cases reported by medical professionals to the Department of Public Health during this week. This may not necessarily be an account of the actual number of influenza cases during the period.
A contagious respiratory illness, influenza is spread through everyday interaction. It presents with symptoms such as fever, cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, nausea and general fatigue and typically lasts 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.
While the best way to prevent the spread of influenza is the flu shot, there are other steps that you and your family can take. The first step is to wash your hands regularly with warm, soapy water or to use a hand-sanitizer. Covering your mouth whenever you sneeze or cough and throwing away soiled tissues will help to minimize the sharing of germs. If you do happen to experience any symptoms, staying home and avoiding contact with others until 24 hours after a fever subsides will help keep others from getting sick as well. For those that are sick, medical professionals may prescribe antiviral medication to help.