JOPLIN, MO.--- The Joplin Health Department says from October 6th to December 29th there were 99 reported cases of the flu. That's an increase from where the county was in 2011 with 25 cases.
Health directors say normally the numbers of cases Joplin is seeing now don't occur for another 6 weeks. They say the data shows people should protect themselves against the flu.
"That doesn't mean you still shouldn't get a flu shot and get that protection with somebody who comes in contact with it," says Daniel Pekarek, Community Health Director.
Health directors say they don't know when flu season will peak or if it will be different than normal. Doctors say it usually peaks in February.
Health directors say normally the numbers of cases Joplin is seeing now don't occur for another 6 weeks. They say the data shows people should protect themselves against the flu.
"That doesn't mean you still shouldn't get a flu shot and get that protection with somebody who comes in contact with it," says Daniel Pekarek, Community Health Director.
Health directors say they don't know when flu season will peak or if it will be different than normal. Doctors say it usually peaks in February.
Comments
I work with 5 people who have or have recently had the flu. All have had flu shots. I suggest the numbers are up because this flu shot does not cover this strain
joyce m.
January 3, 2013 at 10:19 pm
