St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force

Fever, cough, sore throat and body aches? Here is a summary of flu symptoms and where to go for care.

It is never too late to get your flu shot and they are available for free at area retail pharmacies.

Flu is presenting earlier than last year and vaccination is a great, effective prevention tool.

Flu cases start to jump in Missouri with pediatric hospitals already at capacity The number of RSV cases is expected to stay high for about another month, coinciding with what is expected to be an early and hard-hitting flu season.

There is no magic cure for RSV - here are some ways to keep the healing process going.

🧼 🛑 🍽 🧽 🤒 😷
Here are six helpful steps to keep in mind to prevent the spread of RSV, which is affecting more families in our region than ever before.

RSV, flu and other respiratory virus numbers are spiking for kids across our region and are causing increased ER visits and hospitalizations. When a child arrives at the hospital with a life-threatening emergency, they will be seen immediately. Families who come to us with non-urgent issues will experience long waits to be seen in the ER because care is prioritized by severity of illness.

The best things families can do if their child is experiencing symptoms of a respiratory virus are to:
• Keep them home from school or daycare
• Connect with their pediatrician, virtual care provider or local urgent care
• Take preventive measures: flu shots are widely available

Stay well,
BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, Mercy Hospital St. Louis

Pediatric cases of RSV and other respiratory illnesses are on the rise in our area. Knowing where and when to go for care is the start of getting them better!

It’s the time of year for pumpkins and bonfires. But sniffles, coughs, and fevers could put a damper on your fall fun. Respiratory illnesses like RSV and flu are creating long wait times across the region. To avoid a long wait and to help keep our emergency departments focused on life-threatening emergencies, here is a resource to help you decide the best place to take your child based on symptoms.