The Department for Public health, within the Cabinet for
Health and Family Services, is encouraging Kentuckians to get vaccinated
against the flu, as the official flu season begins September 29th
and runs through May 16th next year.
DPH officials are reporting 154 laboratory-confirmed flu
cases in regions across the state since August 4th.
Infection with the flu virus can cause fever, headache,
cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and body aches. Flu can be very
contagious. 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.
Flu vaccine is recommenced for all individuals six months of
age or older.
The flu vaccine has been changed to better protect against
the types of flu that were seen last season. Adequate supplies of flu vaccine
are expected to be available for this year’s flu season. Vaccination can be
given anytime during the flu season, but providers are encouraged to administer
the vaccine as soon as possible.