The colder weather is moving into Jessamine County, and so are the germs. The Kentucky Department for Public Health announced Wednesday that Jessamine County was home to the season’s first “lab-confirmed case of influenza” in the state.
The results of the tests will be reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help track and monitor levels of influenza across the state. Kentucky currently has a flu activity level of “sporadic,” according to a news release from the DPH. Sporadic is the lowest level indicating flu activity.
Flu season generally peaks between January and March, but health officials are still encouraging the public to go ahead and get vaccinated before peak season arrives. The 2011-2012 flu vaccine contains three inactivated viruses to provide protection during the upcoming flu season. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop and offer flu protection.
Many insurance plans cover the flu shot or nasal spray, and many health departments will offer if at a discounted cost for those without insurance.
