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Kentucky's First Flu Case Reported

The Kentucky Department for Public Health  is reporting the first positive lab-confirmed influenza case this week, indicating the presence of flu circulating in Kentucky.   The case was from Jefferson County.

DPH officials are reporting the results to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of statewide flu surveillance efforts.  Kentucky’s flu activity will be classified as “sporadic,” the lowest level indicating flu activity.  

The flu season in Kentucky typically begins in October or November.  

Kentuckians are encouraged to get a flu vaccine as soon as their health provider has it in stock, because it takes about two weeks for immunity to develop and offer protection against flu.  However, vaccination can be given any time during the flu season.

Local health departments and private health care providers are expected to have adequate supplies of flu vaccine on hand for this year’s season, and many providers already have some supplies of vaccine. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends flu vaccine for all individuals more than 6 months of age.  

People who should especially receive the flu vaccine because they may be at higher risk for complications or negative consequences include:

• Children aged 6 months through 18 years;

• Pregnant women; • People 50 years old or older;

• People of any age with chronic health problems;

• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities;

• Health care workers;

• Caregivers of or people who live with a person at high risk for complications from the flu; and

• Out-of-home caregivers of or people who live with children less than 6

Read more: http://www.kentuckynewsnetwork.com/articles/knn-headlines-393284/states-first-influenza-case-reported-12848334/#ixzz3FjnsCSBM