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Early flu activity reported in Kentucky

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — This season's flu vaccine is proving to be a good match for the strains that are going around, according to an infectious disease expert.

Kentucky's Public Health Department is urging people to get their flu shot.

The CDC is reporting that Kentucky is one of 30 states already seeing flu activity, and the state says there have been 384 lab confirmed cased since August across the Commonwealth.

Babies, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are the most at-risk for serious flu-related complications.

Health experts say it's important that everyone gets the shot in order to prevent the virus from spreading to high risk populations.

They also want to remind people you can't catch the flu from the vaccine.

"You could still get the flu even if you've had the shot. You could get a different strain and it's also not 100% effective. Maybe you've gotten the shot and still got sick but it's not from the shot," said Kevin Hall with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department.

Flu vaccines are available at doctor's offices and most drug stores.

It's also a good idea to be in the practice of washing your hands regularly, throwing away tissues quickly after use, getting plenty of sleep and drinking plenty of water.