With the Saline County Health Department reporting an increase in the number of Influenza cases in the area, Department Administrator Tara Brewer encourages the public to be mindful to help stop the spread of the flu.

The department has reported a 50 percent increase in the number of cases since last week. Brewer says the best way to keep yourself from getting sick is to practice routine basic hygiene.

Brewer notes that some symptoms to watch for include body aches, headaches, coughing, fevers, chills, sore throats, fatigue, runny nose, and other extreme cold-like symptoms. Brewers says anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should get treated and contact your primary healthcare physician.

Brewer says that anyone with questions about symptoms can reach out to the Saline County Health Department at 660-886-3434.