YOU ARE HERE: Central Kentucky Home→Collections→School Nurse

Flu widespread in state

February 08, 2008|EMILY TOADVINE

Kentucky's influenza activity is "widespread," the Kentucky Department for Public Health said Thursday.

The "widespread" classification indicates the highest level of flu activity, with laboratory-confirmed cases occurring in at least half of the regions of the state.

Roger Trent, director of the Boyle County Health Department, said at this point flu shots are not an option. All 2,850 doses ordered were used. Plus, the vaccine requires two weeks for immunity to begin, but there is hope, he notes.

"If enough people call us and are interested in vaccines, we'll put their names on a list and order more," he says.

For anyone wondering if they actually have the flu, Trent says there will be no doubt.

"A lot of people think they have flu symptoms, but they just have a cold. If you have the flu, you'll know it," he says.

Infection with the flu virus can cause fever, headache, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and body aches, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Boyle County schools closed Thursday and today when attendance dropped below 90 percent. Illnesses with flu-like symptoms are the culprit.

"Our school nurse said there are three types of things going around, one being the flu, but there are stomach issues and then congestion and headaches," says Mike Pittman, director of pupil personnel.

Danville schools remain open with an average of 93 percent attendance.

"That's slightly below average but not anything what we would cancel school for," says Josh Fuqua, district's public information officer.

If attendance dips below 90 percent, the district considers canceling school, Fuqua says, noting it also depends on the number of teachers who are ill.

|

|

|