get your flu shots At the Lincoln County Health Department!

Please call (636) 528-6117 for more information and to make an appointment.

Click here to see the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services flu data dashboard

What is Influenza?

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory sickness caused by influenza viruses. Serious outcomes of flu can result in hospitalization or death. Some people have a higher chance of serious complications (health problems), such as:

• Older adults (65 and older)

• Young children (less than 5 years old)

• People with certain health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease

vaccines

For everyone that is 6 months and older, the best way to prevent the flu is by getting your flu vaccine every year (with some exceptions).

You should get a yearly flu vaccine in September or October. You can still receive protection from flu season if you are vaccinated after October.

preventing the flu

Your best line of defense for the flu is to get your vaccine yearly but there are more steps you can take as well.

• Avoid close contact to people who are sick.

• Limit contact with others if you are sick.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes.

• Wash hands often with soap and water. If unable to, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms usually come on suddenly. These symptoms may include:

• Fever

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Muscle of body aches

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

COVID-19 or flu?

These are both contagious respiratory illness, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 spreads more easily than the flu, can cause more severe illness in some and symptoms may take longer to show. However, you cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 by symptoms alone because the signs and symptoms are the same. You need to be tested to know which one you have. More information can be found here.

Treatment

Your doctor might give you a prescription for antiviral medicines if you are sick with the flu. Antiviral medicines can:

• Make flu illness more mild

• Shorten that time you are sick

• Prevent serious flu complications (like needing to go to the hospital for treatment)

These medications work best when started early, such as 1-2 days after your symptoms start.

While you are sick, stay away from others to help prevent infecting them. The CDC recommends you stay home for at least 24 hours of being fever-free. Follow the steps that are mentioned above as well to help stop the spread of sickness.

Last Reviewed 12/5/2025