EKB News

KENTUCKY...
With influenza season just around the corner and flu vaccine already available in many locations this season, Gov. Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear received their seasonal flu vaccinations.

Governor and Mrs. Beshear urge all Kentuckians to get a seasonal flu shot or nasal vaccine spray and encourage parents to make sure children older than 6 months also receive protection against the seasonal flu. This year's seasonal flu vaccine includes the H1N1 strain, as well as other strains of flu that are expected to circulate.

Kentucky expects local health departments and private health care providers to have plenty of flu vaccine on hand for this year’s season, and vaccine is already available at many locations around the state. Kentuckians should contact their health provider or local health department for more information.

The flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May, but usually peaks between January and March. September, October and November are good months to be vaccinated for flu because it takes about two weeks for immunity to develop and offer protection against flu. However, vaccination can be given any time during the flu season. Infection with the flu virus can cause fever, headache, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and body aches.