Two children die from the flu in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) –  The state is reporting the first pediatric deaths for the 2017-18 flu season.

According to the Department for Public Health, of the thirty-six flu-related deaths reported so far this season, two were children.

The department says the children’s hometown, county and gender are not being released to protect the privacy of their families.

According to the department, of those who died of the flu, the average age was 75-years-old.

“These personal losses are a reminder for all of us that flu can be a serious illness, for young and old alike,” Department for Public Health Acting Commissioner Dr. Jeffrey D. Howard. “We strongly encourage people to protect themselves, particularly children 6 months and older and those people at high risk for complications related to the flu. Stay at home if they have the flu or flu-like symptoms and to avoid contact with others.”

The Department of Public Health says flu activity in Kentucky is “widespread” for the fourth consecutive week. Widespread activity is the highest level of flu activity, which indicates increased flu-like activity or flu outbreaks in at least half of the regions in the state.

The state is also reporting a number of influenza outbreaks in long-term care facilities, with 49 outbreaks reported this season.

The most common flu strain identified in Kentucky, and in the 36 deaths, is Influenza A, according to the department. Flu vaccination is the most effective protection against flu and since the flu season typically runs until late spring, it is not too late to get vaccinated.

Infection with the flu virus can cause fever, headache, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and body aches. Persons who develop flu symptoms should seek medical advice to determine if they should be treated with an antiviral drug, which could shorten the course of the illness or reduce its severity.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers these tips to stop the spread of germs:

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine).
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your handsoften with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.