Five people, including one child,have died in Kentuckybecause of the flu this season, officials said Friday.
Though "widespread" flu activity is on the rise in Louisville and the state, health officials say it's not too late to get your flu shot. ("Widespread" means increased flu cases or flu outbreaks in at least half of the state's regions.)
“We strongly encourage anyone who hasn’t received a flu vaccine, particularly children six months and older and those people at high risk for complications related to the flu, to get a flu shot,” said Dr. Jeff Howard,Kentucky Department of Public Health commissioner,in a news release.
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Kentuckians should contact their primary care medical provider or health department for more information on the availability of flu vaccines.
In Jefferson County, pharmacies and grocery stores are among the placesoffering flu shots, said Dave Langdon, spokesman for the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness.
One of the state's hardest hit areas, according to state health department,is Jefferson County, which has seen about 882 confirmed flu cases this season, up from the 179 cases confirmed at the same time last season.
During the last week of December alone,Louisville saw570flu cases reported, Langdon said.
Influenza A viruses have been seeing the strongest influence in America since the beginning of October, the CDC said, although influenza B viruses are circulating, too.
The exact timing and duration of flu seasons can vary, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October, according to the CDC. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although activity can last as late as May.
So far this season, Kentucky has reported 1,457 flu cases (last season at this time, 1,411 cases were reported), according to state health department.
In total last flu season, there were 333 flu-related deaths reported in Kentucky, five of which were children.
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Nationally, 11 children have died this season so far of flu-associated illness. Last season, the CDC reported900,000 flu-related hospitalizations across the United Statesand more than 80,000 flu-related deaths.
In a joint statement, the Kentucky Medical Association,Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky andKentucky Foundation for Medical Care said a recent poll indicated that 54 percent of Kentuckians reported getting a flu vaccine within the last year.
"Although this data is encouraging, that still leave almost half the population vulnerable to this potentially deadly virus," the medical groups said. "We’re particularly concerned about infants who are too young to get the vaccine as well as those with compromised immune systems for whom exposure to the flu poses the greatest danger. But even otherwise healthy people are at risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death from the flu."
Here's what you need to know about the flu:
Is it too late to get a flu shot?
No, it's not too late.
"If you have not gotten a flu shot yet, get one," Langdon said. "It's too early to say if (the flu season) is going to be worse, so now is the time to be getting a flu shot."
In the United States, flu activity historically peaks in February,though different seasons have different peaks and the flu virus actually circulates year-round, according to the CDC.
Langdon said many pharmacies and grocery stores are among the places in Jefferson County offering flu shots.
The CDC recommends the flu vaccine for all individuals 6 months of age and older.
The flu shot reduces the likelihood of contracting the virus. For those who still get the flu even after having been vaccinated, it has been shown to reduce the severity and durationof the illness.
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Vaccines are especially important for people who are at increased risk for the flu, which includes children and adults ages 50 orolder, people with underlying medical conditions, health care workers and pregnant women, according to the CDC.
Kentuckians should also contact their primary care medical provider or local health department for more information on the availability of flu vaccines.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
The flu is different from a cold. Symptoms often come on suddenly and people report feeling some or all of the following symptoms, according to theCDC:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea and vomiting
How long is the flu contagious?
The CDC reports that people with the flu are most contagious withinthree to four days after they begin to feel sick. Some people can be contagious up to a full day before they become symptomatic and up to afull week afterward.
Some people, especially those with weakimmune systems, might be able to infect others with flu viruses for an even longer time.
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How can I stayhealthy during flu season?
Besides receiving a vaccination, the CDC recommends taking several everyday steps to help prevent the spread of the flu:
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- If you are sick with a flu-like illness,stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like flu.
For more information on the flu, visit cdc.gov/flu.
Detroit Free Press reporter Kristen Jordan Shamus contributed to this story.
Reach Billy Kobin at bkobin@courierjournal.com or 502-582-7030.
