By VOTP News STL Staff
September 18, 2026
Missouri health officials are reminding residents that an annual flu vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza as the state moves toward the fall respiratory-illness season.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services recommends getting the vaccine each year as soon as it becomes available to the public.
Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. The department also recommends frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and staying home when ill.
People who develop severe symptoms or who have health conditions that put them at higher risk should contact a health care provider. State officials say antiviral medicines work best when treatment begins within 48 hours of becoming sick, though later treatment can still help some patients.
Residents can ask their health care provider, pharmacy or local public health agency about vaccine availability.