Some regions experiencing increase in activity

The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) continues to emphasize the importance of influenza (flu) vaccine following a recent increase in flu activity attributed to influenza B viruses. While influenza A has accounted for most of the flu activity so far this season, it is not uncommon for influenza B types to become more predominant in the latter half of a flu season.

According to DPH, an upswing in flu activity caused by B types of the virus has been observed, including an increase in some long-term care facilities. The level of influenza activity in Kentucky was raised from “local” to “regional” last week due to evidence that flu B cases are on the rise. Laboratory testing has indicated that currently circulating influenza B virus strains are well-matched to this season’s flu vaccine.

“It’s not too late to get a flu shot,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Stephanie Mayfield, “Flu season typically runs from October to May. Even though it’s late in the season, it’s not too late for the flu vaccine to be effective in helping to prevent infection from influenza B.”

Dr. Mayfield said the vaccine is still available at various locations around the state, including provider offices, local health departments and pharmacies. Vaccination can be given any time during the flu season, and this season there is a plentiful vaccine supply.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends flu vaccine for all individuals 6 months of age and older. Individuals who are especially encouraged to receive the flu vaccine, because they may be at higher risk for complications or negative consequences, include:

• Children ages six months to 19 years;

• Pregnant women;

• People 50 years old or older;

• People of any age with chronic health problems;

• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities;

• Health care workers;

• Caregivers of or people who live with a person at high risk for complications from the flu; and

• Out-of-home caregivers of or people who live with children less than six months old.

Kentuckians should receive a new flu vaccination each season for optimal protection. Healthy, non-pregnant people ages two through 49 can be vaccinated with either the flu shot or the nasal vaccine spray. Children younger than nine years old who did not receive a previous seasonal flu vaccination should receive a second dose at least four weeks after their first vaccination.

Infection with the flu virus can cause fever, headache, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and body aches. Flu is a very contagious disease caused by the flu virus, which spreads from person to person.

In addition to flu vaccine, DPH strongly encourages all adults 65 years and older and others in high-risk groups to ask their health care provider about the pneumococcal vaccines. These vaccines can help prevent a type of pneumonia, one of the flu’s most serious and potentially deadly complications. The CDC now recommends that adults 65 years or older receive the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, Prevnar-13) followed by the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23, PNEUMOVAX-23) in six to 12 months. Adults 65 years or older who previously received pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine should inquire with their medical provider or pharmacist about the timing for them to receive the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Getting both vaccines offers the best protection against pneumococcal disease. Between 3,000 and 49,000 deaths are attributed to flu and pneumonia nationally each year, with more than 90 percent of those deaths occurring in people age 65 and older.

For more information on influenza or the availability of flu vaccine, please contact your local health department or visit http://healthalerts.ky.gov.