We continue to monitor COVID-19, flu and other respiratory viruses in our communities. Read the most current information about prevention, testing and where to go if you're sick.

COVID-19 Information
Multiple Sclerosis

A Mother’s Influence: Treating MS is Personal for Dr. Jameson Holloman

Jameson Holloman, MD, a BJC Medical Group neurologist at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, had a different challenge.
When he was in fourth grade, his mother, Karen, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Read more
Healthy Living

All in the Family

Cancer can feel like it comes out of nowhere, but sometimes the warning signs are in your DNA. About 10–20% of cancers run in families, passed down through inherited genetic mutations that increase the risk of developing certain cancers.
Read more
Healthy Living

Let’s Talk: Conversations With Your Doctor That Can Protect Your Health

When it comes to protecting your health, one of the most powerful tools is conversation. Open, honest communication with your primary care provider (PCP) can lead to earlier diagnoses, faster treatment, and better long-term outcomes.

Read more
Patient Story

Keeping a Close Eye, From Far Away: How Remote Aneurysm Surveillance Helped a Patient in Rolla, Missouri

When Berdie Kirby, 68, needed ongoing monitoring and specialized care for a life-threatening aortic condition, frequent trips from her home in Rolla, Missouri, to St. Louis, a journey of more than two hours, was sometimes challenging. But thanks to Missouri Baptist Medical Center’s Telemedicine Aortic Surveillance Clinic, Berdie was able to receive expert, ongoing care without long-distance travel.  

Read more
Healthy Living

Healthy YOU: A Women’s Wellness Experience

Life’s busy. Putting others first comes natural to you. Taking care of yourself can get pushed to the backburner, especially during the busy holiday season.

Read more
1345678910Last

Related Content

James W
/ Categories: Emergency, Healthy Living

Are You Ready for Flu Season?

IS THE FLU CONTAGIOUS? 

Yes. In fact, you may be able to pass the flu to someone else before you know you’re sick. Healthy adults are able to infect others beginning one day prior to developing symptoms and for 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.

HOW CAN I PREVENT SPREADING THE FLU?

The flu virus is spread by droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. If these droplets land on another person’s mucous membranes of the nose, mouth or eyes, they may become infected with the influenza virus. Less often, a person may contract influenza by touching a surface or object that has the influenza virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

Avoid spreading influenza by staying away from others as much as possible if sick, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, washing your hands with soap and water and/or using alcohol-based hand rubs, do not share eating utensils. In addition, the CDC recommends that you stay at home for 24 hours after your fever is gone.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE THE FLU?

Influenza is a contagious respiratory virus. Symptoms of the flu include fever, or feeling feverish, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body or muscle aches, headaches, fatigue. Some patients may have vomiting and diarrhea, although this is more common in children than adults. However, not everyone with influenza will have a fever.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COLD AND THE FLU?

Because the symptoms are so similar, a special test may be needed to distinguish the difference. The flu and the common cold are respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. The symptoms caused by both are similar and can make it difficult to tell them apart. Fever, body aches, fatigue and dry cough associated with influenza are much more intense. Colds are milder and more likely to cause symptoms of a runny or stuffy nose.  The common cold occurs year-round while influenza outbreaks are more seasonal, generally in winter. The CDC has tracked influenza activity rates by month for the past 35 years, with the peak month for flu outbreaks being February followed by January, then March and December. 

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

Print
17735 Rate this article:
No rating
« Back to Neurology & Neurosurgery Stories

Find a Doctor or Make an Appointment

Our new search tool will help you choose a doctor or health care provider that is best for you or your family.

Search Now

Healthy Living

Mastering the Art of Proper Breathing

Proper breathing can help to reduce stress and relieve pain. Learn these simple tips that you can practice anywhere at any time.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right
Therapy Services

Chronic Pain Therapy

From gaining weight and having troubling sleeping, to mood swings and even depression, pain can have far-reaching effects. You want relief. And that’s why we’re here.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right
Patient Story
Dr. Xiaobin Yi discusses the procedure to adjust the spinal stimulator leads to better control John Witteman's pain.

Managing the pain

When an IED blast tore through his leg in 2006, Army medic John Witteman began a long journey through pain. Learn how he found relief at the Pain Management Center at Missouri Baptist.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right
Pain Management

Pain Scale

The effects of chronic pain can be far-reaching. From gaining weight and having trouble sleeping to mood swings and even depression. Follow these simple rules to identify you pain management needs.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right
Innovations in Care

A Partner in Pain Management

Our top-rated therapists are trained in the latest pain management techniques to make your pain management therapy as comfortable and productive as possible. So you can start feeling better sooner.
 

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right
Pain Management

Pain Rehabilitation through Improved Self Management (PRISM)

PRISM is designed to provide you with the tools and techniques to improve your quality of life.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right