The state’s first flu cases of the season have been reported in Northwest Kansas.
Officials at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported today that tests at the agency’s laboratories confirmed Wednesday that two adults from the same workplace in an unidentified location had influenza. Neither person had received an anti-influenza vaccination. Five of their co-workers also were displaying flu symptoms, officials said.
KDHE Secretary Dr. Robert Moser urged Kansans to get flu shots before the flu season peaks.
“Flu has arrived once again in the state,” he said. “Although flu activity is now low, it normally rises during the holidays before peaking around February. Influenza can continue to circulate through spring, and the flu can be unpredictable. There is still time for everyone to get a flu vaccination to protect themselves, their loved ones and the community.”
Symptoms include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough and muscle aches. Complications can include pneumonia, ear and sinus infections, and dehydration; influenza also can worsen other chronic conditions and become deadly.
Health officials recommend that all people six months and older receive an annual influenza vaccine. That is considered especially important for anyone at high risk of complications or in regular contact with an infant less than six months of age.
On average, 5 percent to 20 percent of the U.S. population contracts influenza yearly and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized with complications. Older people, pregnant women, young children and people with certain health conditions are at high risk for serious complications.
Influenza was a documented cause of death for 31 Kansans in the 2009-2010 season; in the 2010-2011 flu season, there were 14 documented deaths.
However, influenza is often not listed on death certificates because laboratory tests may not show influenza by the time pneumonia or other complications develop, said State Epidemiologist Charles Hunt.
“The actual numbers of influenza-related deaths are likely much higher and can vary substantially from year to year,” he said.
For information on receiving the influenza vaccine, contact your health care provider or the local health department. Visit www.kdheks.gov/flu for influenza facts.