KDHE: Get your shot

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

With the number of influenza cases increasing nationwide, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is again urging everyone 6 months of age and older to get a seasonal influenza vaccine.

Reports of influenza-like illness from surveillance sites throughout Kansas have lead KDHE to report flu activity to be at a "widespread" level. In addition to the 2009 H1N1 virus, strains of influenza A and B are also circulating, according to a news release.

"Although each influenza season is unpredictable, we typically see the peak in February," KDHE Secretary Robert Moser said in the release. "It is not too late to get a flu shot. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, and those around you, from getting influenza and potentially becoming sick for a week or longer."

KDHE and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend everyone 6 months of age and older get the flu vaccine. Getting vaccinated should be a priority for people at high risk of serious influenza complications, including young children; pregnant women; people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years of age and older.

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness and its symptoms include sudden onset of fever, sore throat, muscle aches and non-productive cough. More serious illness can result if pneumonia occurs. Influenza is spread by direct contact with an infected person or by airborne droplets that produce infection when they are inhaled or ingested off the hands.

According to KDHE, to reduce the spread of influenza, it is also important to practice the "three C's":

* Clean -- properly wash hands frequently.

* Cover -- cover coughs and sneezes.

* Contain -- contain germs by staying home when sick.

For more information about seasonal flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/.