The flu season is in full bloom across the United States.
More than 6.4 million Americans have come down with the flu so far this season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated.
Symptoms have caused about 3 million people to seek medical attention, and 55,000 have been hospitalized because of the flu.
Influenza symptoms include fever or feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and vomiting or diarrhea for some people.
Influenza has caused more than 2,900 deaths. Eight influenza-associated deaths have been reported in Missouri; however, during the flu season (which generally starts around Oct. 1), there have been 444 pneumonia and influenza-like illness deaths in the state.
Five pediatric deaths were reported nationwide during the week ending Dec. 28. In all, 27 influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported this season.
Seasonal flu viruses are active year-round, according to the CDC, but flu activity usually begins to increase in October and peaks from December through February.
Health officials recommend Americans get the seasonal flu vaccine. More than 170 million doses of the vaccine have been administered, according to the CDC. The vaccine is intended to protect against two strains of influenza A and influenza B, said Chezney Schulte, communicable disease coordinator for the Cole County Health Department.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses and can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes can result in hospitalization or death. Children younger than 5 - especially children younger than 2 - are at high risk of flu complications. Also at high risk are adults 65 and older and pregnant women.
Nationally, the influenza B/Victoria virus is most common this year, followed by influenza A/H1N1.
Influenza B can only be carried and spread by humans, while A can be carried and spread by animals. Symptoms of the strains are similar. Which is most common seems to fluctuate from year to year, Schulte said.
The CDC estimates vaccinations prevented 7 million people nationwide from coming down with the flu last season and prevented 100,000 hospitalizations.
As of Dec. 28, Missouri was one of 45 states (and Puerto Rico) where the flu was considered "widespread," according to the CDC. The CDC considers the disease widespread if at least half the regions in the state have laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu.
The spread of the disease can be slowed by doing a few simple actions, Schulte said - avoid close contact with people who are sick; stay home when you are sick; wash your hands often; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
Missouri reported 779 confirmed cases of the flu during the week. Of those, 306 were influenza A, and 470 were influenza B. No type was determined for three cases.
No influenza or influenza-like illness-associated outbreaks have caused any school closures in the state.
In Cole County, only six flu cases were confirmed during the week ending Dec. 28. However, the county reported 62 confirmed cases the previous week (24 of influenza A and 38 of influenza B). It reported 53 flu cases the previous week - the week ending Dec. 14. During that week, there were 14 cases of influenza A and 38 of influenza B.