The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Source: Fox News
Posted: Tuesday, January 01, 2019 02:30 PM
Flu Related Deaths Reach 100 In Kentucky
According to the Department for Public Health, this season's H3N2 strain of the virus can be extremely serious, not just for those in higher risk categories, but to generally healthy people as well. Flu season lasts until late May, and during the entire 2016-17 flu season, Kentucky recorded only 76 deaths.
Dr. Jeffrey D. Howard, Acting Department for Public Health Commissioner, stated, "During this time of widespread flu activity, we want to remind people to avoid contact with others if you have influenza or an influenza-like illness. If you are sick, seek care from your healthcare provider early."
The influenza virus can be highly contagious and is a potentially life-threatening disease.
Symptoms of the flu could include fever, headache, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and body aches. Individuals who develop flu symptoms are recommended to seek medical care to determine if they should be treated with an antiviral drug.
The Department for Public Health's State Epidemiologist, Dr. Jonothan Ballard, noted, "Flu vaccination is the most effective protection against flu. We especially recommend that all healthy Kentuckians aged six months and older be vaccinated."
It takes about two weeks following vaccination for the recipient to develop protection. Many health plans cover the cost of the vaccine with no copay.
"Recently the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) issued a health advisory recommending antiviral treatment to all hospitalized and high risk persons with suspected influenza and that benefits of antiviral medications are observed even when treatment is initiated beyond two days of illness onset," concluded Dr. Ballard.
Those at high risk include children younger than five, adults aged 65 and older, pregnant women, residents of nursing homes and persons with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems.