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Widespread Flu Activity In Kentucky

She Knows Health & Wellness

A central Kentucky pediatric medicine specialist says influenza is on the increase in the bluegrass.  Sean McTigue is medical director of pediatric infection-prevention and control at the University of Kentucky.  Widespread flu activity is being reported across the Commonwealth. 

McTigue says it is definitely not too late to get vaccinated.

“The flu season does really stretch throughout the entire winter into March and even into the early spring.  So, right now we would urge anyone who’s eligible for the vaccine which would be anyone over the age of six months, who have not yet been vaccinated, to go out and get vaccinated now,” said McTigue.

Protecting the very young in Kentucky against the flu offers a certain set of challenges.  Vaccines to help protect against influenza are available in both injection and mist forms.  But, these vaccinations are not suitable for children under six months.  UK Pediatric Infection-Prevention and Control Medical Director Sean McTigue says it creates a unique risk for infants.

“You know the biggest group that we worry about trying to protect includes those that are younger than six months of age.  Since the influenza vaccine is not licensed for use in them, really our best way to protect them is to make sure that anyone who has close contact with infants younger than six months be immunized,” added McTigue.

Likewise, McTigue says pregnant women should be vaccinated against the flu.  He says it works to protect the mother and baby against what can be a life threatening illness.

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