Flu cases are on the rise in Greene County.

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department says almost 750 confirmed flu cases were reported last week – the highest amount so far this season.

More than 2,700 confirmed cases have been reported this season.

Health officials say it’s not too late to get the flu shot.

If you are sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

Here are some more tips from the health department:

In light of increasing flu numbers—during a time where weekly counts generally decrease—the Springfield-Greene County Health Department is reminding residents of the best ways to prevent flu.

For the week of February 15, 744 lab-confirmed flu cases were reported in Greene County, another uptick in cases as flu season continues.

Flu vaccine is our best protection against the flu virus, and it’s not too late to get your flu shot. The Springfield-Greene County Health Department has vaccine available for children and uninsured and underinsured adults. Vaccine is still available from local pharmacies as well.

For those who aren’t feeling well, contacting your primary care physician can be an option. If you can’t get in to see your doctor, or don’t have one, Greene County has several options for care:

Telemedicine is a great option to stay home and avoid potentially exposing others. This allows patients to check in with their care provider virtually, rather than having to travel or sit in a waiting room.

Convenient Care, Urgent Care and Retail Clinic locations are good options for people experiencing the beginning stages of flu or other respiratory illnesses with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches or tiredness.

Links to resources and weekly case count numbers in our area are available at health.springfieldmo.gov/flu.

If you are sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, without using fever-reducing medicine. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and try to avoid contact with others.

For those who are feeling well and want to prevent getting sick:

Take time to get a flu vaccine—early data shows that the vaccine this year is a good match for adults and children.

A few reminders about getting vaccinated:

· Everyone over the age of 6 months is recommended to be vaccinated

· Even if you were vaccinated last year, it is important to get vaccinated again this year to protect against changing flu viruses

· Flu vaccine is safe. Every year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration work closely with vaccine manufacturers to ensure the highest level of safety standards for flu vaccines.

In addition to getting vaccinated, you can also help prevent the spread of many viruses by practicing proven disease prevention methods. This includes:

· Washing your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and then wash your hands with soap as soon as you are able.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. This is how germs are spread.

· Try to avoid close contact with sick people.