ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Missouri health officials report a small increase in the number of new influenza cases last week throughout the state.

“Influenza is notoriously unpredictable,” Curtis Allen with the Centers for Disease Control said.

There were just over 1,700 new flu cases last week in Missouri, up from just over one thousand the week before. Influenza B cases more than doubled in the state from 418 to 877 while Influenza A cases rose by a smaller number, growing from 527 the previous week to 737 last week.

Allen says the biggest risk nationally continues to be the elderly and he says it’s still not too late to get a flu shot with the flu season lasting until April or May.

“We recommend anyone living with or in close contact with these individuals be vaccinated, not only to protect themselves but also to protect those they come in close contact with,” he added.