Flu Widespread in Kentucky

State flu declared "widespread" Kentuckys influenza (flu) activity has been classified as "widespread," the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) announced today. The "widespread" classification indicates the highest level of flu activity, with laboratory-confirmed flu cases occurring in at least half of the regions of the state, But DPH officials want Kentuckians to know the opportunity to get vaccinated for flu and pneumonia is still available. Infection with the flu virus can cause fever, headache, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and body aches, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Flu is responsible for approximately 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths a year in the United States. Infants and the elderly population are most at risk of serious illness, hospitalization or death from the flu. While it can be a serious disease that can result in extended time away from work and school, influenza is preventable. About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against flu virus infection. Although almost anyone who wants protection against influenza can receive a flu shot, annual flu vaccinations are particularly recommended for: all children ages 6-59 months (6 months to 4 years of age); adults 65 or older; people age 2-64 with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer, asthma or diabetes; women who will be pregnant during flu season; residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities; children 6 months to 18 years old on chronic aspirin therapy; health care workers; household contacts of children less than 6 months old; and caregivers of people with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from the flu. All healthy individuals ages 50 to 64 are also strongly recommended to receive flu vaccine. (Copyright 2007 Newsroom Solutions, LLC) Delivered by Newsroom Solutions RNS-02-07-08 0834CST