Flu activity in Kentucky is currently labeled as “very high”, according to the latest data from the CDC and the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
That comes as no surprise as local doctor’s offices and healthcare clinics have been seeing an increase in flu-related illnesses in recent weeks.
The Lake Cumberland District Health Department says the flu virus is spread by people who are ill through airborne droplets emitted by coughing and sneezing. You also may contract the flu by touching objects contaminated with the virus.
Signs and symptoms of the flu are usually intense and occur suddenly. High fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are all common symptoms of influenza.
Healthcare officials say most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick. They also say the best method of prevention is to receive your flu vaccination every year.