Health officials advise getting flu shot before holidays

FRANFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Kentucky Department for Public Health says it is encouraging Kentuckians to get vaccinated against the flu as the holiday season is approaching.

Department Commissioner Dr. Angela Dearinger says the holiday season is a peak time for the flu.

“As the holidays approach, people will be traveling and families will gather together, increasing the potential for exposure to the flu,” said Dearinger. “We are strongly urging anyone who hasn’t received a flu vaccine, particularly those at high risk for complications related to the flu, to check with local health departments or other providers.”

The department says officials are reporting 384 laboratory-confirmed flu cases in regions across the state since August 4.

According to the department, the flu vaccine is especially important in light of the longest flu season the nation experienced last year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 647,000 flu-related hospitalizations occurred and more than 61,000 people died as a result of the flu. In Kentucky, there were 194 flu-related deaths, two of which were children.

Infection with the flu virus can cause fever, headache, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and body aches. The flu can be very contagious. Officials say it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective.

The CDC says it recommends flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older.

For more information, visit the CDC’s website.