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State's flu level raised to 'widespread'

September 18, 2009

The Kentucky Department for Public Health announced this morning that it has raised the state's flu level to "widespread" this week as apparent swine flu cases have continued to multiply.

"Widespread" is the highest level of flu activity, which indicates increased flu-like activity or flu outbreaks in at least half of the regions in a state. This level of flu activity is consistent with other southeastern states that are also currently reporting widespread activity, according to a DPH press release.

"Having widespread flu activity being reported in Kentucky is very unusual in mid-September," said Dr. William D. Hacker, commissioner of DPH. "This high level of activity so early in the flu season is mainly due to the H1N1 swine flu virus circulating, not the seasonal flu.

"We are urging individuals to get vaccinated against seasonal flu now and also receive a swine flu vaccination when the vaccine begins to arrive in Kentucky, which should be by mid-October."

Rebecca Judy, public health preparedness coordinator for the Boyle County Health Department, said local residents appear to be heeding that advice.

"We've been pleasantly surprised," Judy said today. "The response has been really good to getting seasonal flu shots early this year.

Judy said the local health department is expecting to order swine flu vaccinations in early October, but does not yet have a schedule for when the shots will become available.

Because initial supplies of the swine flu vaccine may be limited, vaccine supplies will be recommended first for priority groups based on those most at risk.

Priority groups for the swine flu vaccine include: people who are more likely to suffer complications from swine flu, including pregnant women; people who live or care for children younger than 6 months of age; direct care health care and emergency medical services personnel; people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old; and people from ages 25 through 64 years with chronic health conditions.

The symptoms of both seasonal and swine flu include fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches and many include vomiting or diarrhea. Individuals at higher risk for complications — such as those with chronic health conditions or who are pregnant — should contact a health care provider early, in case treatment with antiviral medication is necessary.

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