The Kentucky Cabinet of Health and Family Services is urging Kentuckians to get their flu shots, as the flu season takes hold of the region.
According to a news release, Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Angela Dearinger says, “As the holidays approach, people will be traveling and families will gather together, increasing the potential for exposure to the flu. We are strongly urging anyone who hasn’t received a flu vaccine, particularly those at high risk for complications related to the flu, to check with local health departments or other providers.”
DPH officials are reporting 384 laboratory-confirmed flu cases in regions across the state since August 4. Infection with the flu virus can cause fever, headache, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and body aches—it can also be very contagious. Both the CDC and manufacturers of the flu vaccine report that there are no shortages of vaccine. Vaccination can be given any time during the flu season, but providers are encouraged to administer the vaccine as soon as possible.
It is especially important for pregnant women to be vaccinated before or during pregnancy. Last season in Kentucky, there were infants less than one month old that had the flu.
For more information about the flu season, go online to healthalerts.ky.gov.