Officials with the Department for Public Health are reporting the first four flu-related deaths of the flu season.
In addition to the four flu-related deaths, officials are reporting just over 1,600 laboratory-confirmed flu cases in regions across the state since August 4.
Half of Kentucky’s regions are reporting ‘widespread’ flu activity and health officials are urging residents to get their flu shots now to lessen their chances of getting the flu.
Infection with the flu virus can cause fever, headache, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and body aches. Flu can be very contagious.
Officials say it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective, so it is very important to get the flu shot as soon as possible.