KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Health department officials say this is an earlier flu season than they typically see.
“Usually we see it later, January or February,” said Nancy Tausz, Johnson County Health Services Divisions Director.
The spike in flu activity is taking a toll in Johnson County. WCA had to send a few workers home due to the flu. The City of Fairway sent out a note saying the company would complete yard waste pick up tomorrow.
“It’s up a little bit from last year and it’s started a little bit earlier than last year,” said Tausz.
On the Missouri side, the Kansas City health department has seen a spike in flu cases too.
“For the last couple of weeks, seeing doubling of the numbers, people see doctors, get positive tests, rapid upswing, we know the flu is here, take precautions,” said Bill Snook from the Kansas City Missouri Health Department.
Flu cases have nearly doubled in the past couple of weeks in Johnson County, most of the cases are Strain A.
"More of the A’s. We’ll see a few B’s but the A’s — the A flu is nastier and that’s what we are seeing right now,” said Tausz.
Health officials say it’s not too late to get the vaccine. Reminding people that the vaccine takes 14 days to become effective, so the sooner the better.
If you do get the symptoms which include body aches, fatigue and high fever, health officials recommend a few things.
“If you feel symptoms, call your medical provider, get anti-viral medications in first 24-48 hours to lessen the impact of the flu,” said Snook.
“If you’re sick stay home. I know that’s hard for some people but you don’t want to spread it,” said Tausz.
