By Rudrani (Ronnie) Ghosh

MBBS, MPH Regional Epidemiologist

The Jessamine County Health Department’s epidemiology office has received many confirmed flu reports. 

Take time to get a flu vaccine — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.

Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs such as: 

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.

Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can be used to treat your illness.

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

Flu is a serious, contagious disease and can cause death in extreme cases. Last year the Jessamine County Health Department received confirmed flu cases as late as May 2016. Currently, the Flu situation is sporadic in Kentucky.

What is new this flu season of 2016-17?

• Only injectable flu shots are recommended for use this season (flu mist is not recommended).

• Flu vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses.

• There will be some new vaccines on the market this season.

• The recommendations for vaccination of people with egg allergies have changed.

Adapted from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season- 2016-2017.htm.

If you have additional questions, please contact the Regional Epidemiologist at JCHD at 859-885- 4149 ext. 1033 or visit www.jessaminehealth.org. Visit CDC’s website to find out what to do if you get sick with the flu at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm.