Flu spikes late in St. Louis
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Flu spikes late in St. Louis

Date: February 4, 2008
By: Jessica Miller
State Capitol Bureau

Intro:  Flu season came later than usual this year for the St. Louis area. Local hospitals were flooded last month with almost twice as many cases than last January, and the numbers continue to rise.

Jessica Miller has more from the state Capitol.

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The Missouri Health Department is taking new measures to stop the spread of infection by running humorous ads on television as well as radio.

Public Information Administrator Brian Quinn says education plays an important role in stopping the spread of infection.

Actuality:  BQUINN1.WAV
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Description: The key message for us is that it is happening and it's time for people to get very serious about protecting themselves and protecting others by limiting the spread.

While there is no sign of the flu slowing down in February for St. Louis hospitals, doctors still advise getting a flu shot, just in case.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Jessica Miller.

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Intro:  The Missouri Health Department says isolation is the key to staying healthy this flu season.

Jessica Miller has more from the state Capitol.

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OutCue: SOC

By practicing "social distancing" , victims are less likely to contaminate others. Not going into work, and keeping children home from school while they are infected will help prevent the spread of the virus.

Public Information Administrator Brian Quinn says it is no surprise that St. Louis is a breeding ground for the spread of this virus, since it is one of the most highly populated areas in the state.

 

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Description: When you get lots of people in very close proximity to each other at work and at school and other functions, you're going to run the risk of the flu virus spreading very quickly.


The Health Department stresses the age old flu advice of drinking lots of fluids, getting plenty of rest, and continually washing your hands.  And don't expect the flu to go away with the cold temperatures, since it actually has no connection to cold weather.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Jessica Miller.