Widespread Flu Activity and Flu Related Deaths

The Marshall County Health Department is reporting four flu-related deaths this week in elderly adults as of Feb. 22, 2017 and is advising the public to take steps to prevent the virus while the state is still experiencing widespread activity. These deaths underscore the seriousness of flu, particularly for the elderly, children, and others who would be considered at high risk or having a compromised immune system.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu vaccination for the general population, especially the elderly, children, and pregnant women. Individuals with COPD, asthma, and diabetes may be particularly susceptible to the flu.

An annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect you and your family from the flu. Ideally, people should be vaccinated before flu activity begins, but there is still time to be vaccinated and develop immunity from flu strains circulating in Kentucky this year. The local health department recommends people get vaccinated as soon as possible. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against flu virus infection.

Flu is a serious contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. You have the power to protect yourself and your family this season with these three actions to fight flu.

  1. Get a flu vaccine, unless contraindicated. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as possible.
  1. Take everyday actions to stop the spread of germs. Wash your hands often with soap and water, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
  1. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They may also prevent serious flu complications. Learn more about how you can fight the flu this season at www.cdc.gov/fightflu

The flu can be very dangerous for children. Each year about 20,000 children younger than 5 years old are hospitalized from flu complications, like pneumonia. Most children who die from flu have not been vaccinated.

You have the power to protect your family from flu this season by getting vaccinated and making sure everyone in your family 6 months and older gets their yearly flu vaccine too. Pregnant mothers who are vaccinated provide protection to their babies for 6 months.

A few things to note for this flu season:

  • Flu vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses.
  • The recommendations for vaccination of people with egg allergies have changed.
  • Health care workers are encouraged to receive their flu vaccine to protect the population they serve.
  • If you are experiencing flu like symptoms, please stay home.

Learn more about what’s new for the 2016-17 flu season by visiting the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2016-2017.htm

More information about available flu vaccines for the 2016-17 season can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/vax-summary.htm

Talk to your healthcare provider about the flu and what flu vaccines are available this season.

The Marshall County Health Department is offering the flu vaccine for $25.00. Most insurance companies cover the cost of the flu vaccine.

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