Flu cases spike in Kansas City hospitals: ‘You just feel awful’

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Does it feel like everyone is sick right now? In the last two weeks, Kansas City and the country have seen an increase in influenza cases and some other illnesses.

According to the CDC, last week’s data shows clinical labs saw a 29.4% increase in tests positive for influenza.

Local doctors said a rise in cases is common his time of year.

“We saw a big rise in December and then a decrease right and that happens over the holidays and then we had that big snow storm so there was no school right and so now we are seeing this big rise again which is totally expected,” said Children’s Mercy Division Director of Infectious Disease, Dr. Angela Myers.

In the past week, Children’s Mercy saw 670 cases of influenza, which is just across the hospital’s system and does not include practices around town.

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“Which is why I think it is an underestimate but it is a good idea of oh wow they are seeing a lot of it,” said Myers.

The University of Kansas Health System is also seeing an increase, too.

“I would say at this point in time influenza and SARS-COVID 2 are really the main drivers of people being ill,” said The University of Kansas Health System Medical Director for the Infection Control and Prevention program and Infectious Disease Dr. Dana Hawkinson.

Other illnesses are going around as well.

“We are also seeing other viruses too, we are seeing adenovirus, we are seeing rhinovirus which as you know causes the common cold most frequently, and we are seeing a little bit of the mycoplasma how we had a ton of mycoplasma earlier in the summer and in the fall we are still seeing some of that,” said Myers.

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If you start to feel achy or get a fever, experts said it is best to get tested early and go to the doctor within 48 hours.

“You can get home tests for COVID-19 as well as influenza A and B so you can do home tests you can have those ready and handy because it is vitally important especially for influenza that if you are having symptoms you test early so that you can get on the antiviral early as possible,” said Hawkinson.

“You may be somebody who would be recommended to get oseltamivir or Tamiflu especially if you are high risk or you are very young or you are older,” said Dr. Myers.

Some shared with KCTV5 that it is hard to find medicines like Tamiflu right now.

Those with CVS and Walgreens both shared what their companies are seeing.

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If you are sick, doctors also recommend getting plenty of rest, fluids, and stay home.

“Don’t try to be a hero going to work, go into school doing all of the things,” said Myers.

If you aren’t sick, they said you can still get your flu shot if you haven’t.

“It is never too late even if you’ve had influenza. Let’s just say you had influenza in December you can get it again in the same year because there is generally more than one strain circulating at a given time and having had one does not give you protection from having another,” said Myers.

With the big game this weekend, they recommend if you’re going out to be aware of your surroundings and wear a mask if in a large group, they said that can help you avoid getting sick.

“The most vitally important thing you can do is frequent adequate hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitizer and avoid putting your hands in your eyes your nose your mouth,” said Hawkinson.

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