Health News
- First Two Cases Of Flu Reported In Ky.; Time To Get Your Vaccine
Flu season in Kentucky typically begins in October or November, and is right on schedule as state public health officials have reported the first two confirmed cases of the season in Jefferson and Kenton counties. Public-health officials are encouraging...
- Flu Makes Uk Healthcare Tighten Visitation Rules
UK HealthCare has temporarily changed its visitation policy to help protect its patients and health care workers during the flu season, the University of Kentucky said in a news release. The measures include: No visitors under the age of...
- Five Myths About Flu Shots, Explored And Debunked
Myths about the influenza vaccine circulate every year and make it difficult for some to decide whether to get the shot, Tom Watkins reports for CNN. This prompted him to look at five of the most common myths and presents the "truth based on information...
- First Flu Case Reported In Kentucky; Vaccination Recommended For Everyone Over 6 Months Old, Especially Some Groups
Kentucky's first positive lab-confirmed case of the flu has been reported in Jefferson County this week, according to the state Department for Public Health. The best way to protect against the flu is to receive a flu vaccine, and it's best...
- Flu Vaccine Recommended For All Over 6 Months; Pneumonia Vaccine Recommended For Those 65 And Older And At High Risk
Vaccination is the best way to keep from getting the flu, and with two influenza cases already reported in Kentucky, now is the time to schedule your annual flu shot, says the state Department for Public Health. Kentucky's flu season typically...
Health News
No way to know how serious flu season will be this year; get your vaccine, which will be available soon, officials say
There is no way of predicting how far-reaching the flu will be this season, but this year's vaccine should be available soon, officials with the Kentucky Department for Public Health said today.
"As soon as you get the immunizations you can start administering them," Sherri Coles, Kentucky Vaccine Program assistant coordinator, told a physician during today's webinar on the subject.
Last flu season was very mild, particularly compared to the one before it, when the H1N1 flu virus was first found here. About 22,400 people nationwide were confirmed to have the flu last season. There were 26 lab-confirmed pediatric deaths caused by flu, but none were in Kentucky. Flu activity was only widespread for five weeks in Kentucky last season, in March and April.
Flu shots are recommended for everyone from 6 months of age and older. Children 6 months to 8 years of age getting the vaccine for the first time should get two doses administered at least one month apart.
The flu can be treated with antiviral drugs, Coles said, which can "lesson the symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by one or two days." The drugs should be taken within two days of getting sick, though starting them later can still be helpful for people who have a pre-existing health condition or are very sick from the flu. Tamiflu and Relenza are the two kinds of antiviral drugs available. Relenza can only be taken by people who do not have breathing problems like asthma or COPD.
"As soon as you get the immunizations you can start administering them," Sherri Coles, Kentucky Vaccine Program assistant coordinator, told a physician during today's webinar on the subject.
Last flu season was very mild, particularly compared to the one before it, when the H1N1 flu virus was first found here. About 22,400 people nationwide were confirmed to have the flu last season. There were 26 lab-confirmed pediatric deaths caused by flu, but none were in Kentucky. Flu activity was only widespread for five weeks in Kentucky last season, in March and April.
Flu shots are recommended for everyone from 6 months of age and older. Children 6 months to 8 years of age getting the vaccine for the first time should get two doses administered at least one month apart.
The flu can be treated with antiviral drugs, Coles said, which can "lesson the symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by one or two days." The drugs should be taken within two days of getting sick, though starting them later can still be helpful for people who have a pre-existing health condition or are very sick from the flu. Tamiflu and Relenza are the two kinds of antiviral drugs available. Relenza can only be taken by people who do not have breathing problems like asthma or COPD.
- First Two Cases Of Flu Reported In Ky.; Time To Get Your Vaccine
Flu season in Kentucky typically begins in October or November, and is right on schedule as state public health officials have reported the first two confirmed cases of the season in Jefferson and Kenton counties. Public-health officials are encouraging...
- Flu Makes Uk Healthcare Tighten Visitation Rules
UK HealthCare has temporarily changed its visitation policy to help protect its patients and health care workers during the flu season, the University of Kentucky said in a news release. The measures include: No visitors under the age of...
- Five Myths About Flu Shots, Explored And Debunked
Myths about the influenza vaccine circulate every year and make it difficult for some to decide whether to get the shot, Tom Watkins reports for CNN. This prompted him to look at five of the most common myths and presents the "truth based on information...
- First Flu Case Reported In Kentucky; Vaccination Recommended For Everyone Over 6 Months Old, Especially Some Groups
Kentucky's first positive lab-confirmed case of the flu has been reported in Jefferson County this week, according to the state Department for Public Health. The best way to protect against the flu is to receive a flu vaccine, and it's best...
- Flu Vaccine Recommended For All Over 6 Months; Pneumonia Vaccine Recommended For Those 65 And Older And At High Risk
Vaccination is the best way to keep from getting the flu, and with two influenza cases already reported in Kentucky, now is the time to schedule your annual flu shot, says the state Department for Public Health. Kentucky's flu season typically...