Southeast Missouri schools face closures because of flu

NEW MADRID COUNTY, Mo. - There has been no shortage of school cancellations this winter throughout the Southeast Missouri region.

But unlike many years, those cancellations were because of illness, not so much weather-related.

“It has been a little bit higher this year than it has been in the last year,” New Madrid County Health Administrator Christi Pipkin said of what her department has seen. “As far as the flu is concerned.”

Few people haven't contracted some form of illness this winter, or at the very least, had a family member become sick. Pipkin said that her department has seen a high number of influenza A sicknesses, with varying degrees of other strains and viruses.

“Right now,” Pipkin explained, “we are seeing a large number of (influenza A cases). As far as Covid goes, it has been moderate.

“We have seen a few of the (influenza B cases), and at this time, we have only had one case of norovirus.

The symptoms accompanying influenza A and its B strain can be similar, but often influenza A can cause a higher number of infections in the ear while the influenza B strain can be associated more with seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The amount of school closures may lead many to believe that the viruses are more prevalent than in the past, however, Pipkin called the overall number “pretty typical for February.”

Pipkin said the number of illnesses “usually picks up after Christmas.”

“January is a big month,” Pipkin said, “probably because of the holidays and the family get-togethers. People are close-knit and enclosed with each other.”

Fortunately, the best way to stay healthy through this time of year is pretty simple, it just takes discipline.

“The big thing is we recommend that everyone frequently washes their hands,” Pipkin explained. “If they are sick, try to stay home and not be out in the public.

“They can take vitamins, vitamin C.”

She also recommended people be “fever-free for 24 hours before they go out in public.”

Pipkin said that her department offers flu shots Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the department is located at 406 US Highway 61 in New Madrid.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services recommends residents receive an annual vaccination against the flu for people six months of age and older unless they have a condition or medical reason not to get the vaccine.

The New Madrid County Health Department website states that a flu vaccine is especially important for young children, pregnant women, older people, and people with chronic health problems.

Pipkin explained that the department offers both the “quad shot,” as well as the “high dose” vaccines.

The “quad shot” is a quadrivalent flu vaccine that protects people against four types of flu viruses. It is for people 64 years of age or younger.

The “high dose” is recommended for people older than 65 years, according to Pipkin.

Pipkin said her department also offers COVID-19 vaccine shots. Each of these shots will be billed through your insurance.

For more information on staying healthy, area residents can call the New Madrid County Health Department at (573) 748-5541.

The Dunklin County Health Department can be reached at (573) 888-9008.

The Pemiscot County Health Department can be reached at (573) 359-1656.