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.
