St. Louis health officials issued a health advisory Thursday, warning that flu cases are surging in the city. It mirrors a national trend as doctor visits for flu symptoms throughout the United States have reached their highest level in decades.
The St. Louis Department of Health said cases of flu and influenza-like illness have risen steadily over the past month. The most recent data, from the week ending Dec. 27, shows the percentage of emergency room visits for respiratory illnesses in the city is at its highest level of the season.
“We’re higher than last year, but it’s typical for the flu seasons to start creeping up at this time of year,” said St. Louis Health Commissioner Victoria Anwuri, who added that flu activity usually peaks around the end of January…