Flu

The flu vaccine takes around two weeks to fully take effect. St. Louis County Executive Sam page is encouraging residents to book shots soon to protect themselves and others from getting sick over the holidays.

Wastewater testing helps track COVID trends. Currently, COVID levels in wastewater are surging in Missouri as well as in much of the U.S.

Scientists at Washington University have found that patients hospitalized with the flu can display long-term effects similar to those found in long COVID patients. The scientists studied Veterans Administration records to compare outcomes of the two viruses.

St. Louis officials cited the rise in transmission of coronavirus cases and other respiratory illnesses for the updated mandate.

Illinois officials now recommend the use of masks in certain settings as COVID-19 hospitalizations have risen across the state in recent weeks.

Flu and other respiratory illnesses are on the rise in St. Louis. The increase in patients is coming as more health care employees leave their jobs, putting more strain on the remaining workforce.

About 80 children a week are being hospitalized at St. Louis Children's Hospital for RSV-related illnesses, doctors said.

Health officials are encouraging people in St. Louis to get their annual flu shot ahead of what could be a severe season. Several hospitals and health departments are offering flu shot clinics through October, many with shots for free.

Some flu experts are urging many people to get their shots earlier than usual this year because of the potential for an early, possibly severe flu season. But what's the best timing for you?

St Louis health workers are concerned that conspiracy theories about how scientists developed the vaccine, along with mistrust of public health agencies, could be leading some people to avoid other immunizations like the yearly flu shot.