FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Three major state-wide health organizations are joining together to launch a new campaign ahead of flu season. They are encouraging Kentuckians to “Focus on Flu” so this flu season isn’t as bad as last year’s.
“The flu made more than 10,500 people sick in Kentucky last year. That’s epidemic level,” said Ben Chandler, the president/CEO for the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.
The flu led to the deaths of 325 people in the Commonwealth last year, including five children. Some of those deaths happened in Lexington, and that is why the Lexington-Fayette County Commissioner of Health is supporting the Focus on Flu campaign.
“We need people to understand that the flu is not just a nuisance. It can actually be very serious,” said Dr. Kraig Humbaugh, the Lexington-Fayette County Commissioner of Health.
The campaign has three simple messages: get your shot, consult your doctor, stop the spread.
Officials put an emphasis on the first message, get your shot, by rolling up their sleeves and doing just that in the Capitol Rotunda. Dr. Humbaugh says that it is not too early to get vaccinated, especially since it takes a couple of weeks to take effect.
Next Wednesday, September 26 is being considered Kentucky Flu Shot Day. Officials encourage everyone to get vaccinated at least by the end of October for maximum protection.
