There’s a bigger threat than coronavirus in Kentucky, and it’s not too late for a vaccination

While there has been plenty of news coverage regarding the spread of novel coronavirus, there’s a much more prevalent and potentially deadly virus already wreaking havoc across Kentucky, resulting in more than 10,000 confirmed cases and 21 deaths already this season.

That virus is influenza, and it poses a substantial risk to even healthy adults. Flu comes on suddenly, most often accompanying a fever, aches, chills, cough, a sore throat and fatigue. Complications can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

Thankfully, there is a vaccine that can protect you from certain strains, as well as help lessen your symptoms should you contract the virus. And with “widespread” flu activity being reported in Kentucky, it isn’t too late to get vaccinated or to take simple steps to help protect yourself and your family.

The Kentucky Medical Association, the Kentucky Foundation for Medical Care and the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky teamed up in 2018 for “Focus on Flu,” which seeks to mitigate the effects of another deadly flu season like the U.S. experienced in 2017-2018. KMA physicians and healthcare leaders continue to urge Kentuckians to get their flu shot, consult their doc if they think they may have the flu, and stop the spread of the virus by exercising proper hand washing and covering their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing.

Although flu season is in full swing, it’s still a smart idea to receive a flu vaccine. According to the CDC, this year’s vaccine was formulated to match two strains of both flu A and B, including the H1N1 virus. All of these strains have been circulating in Kentucky and of the confirmed cases in Lexington, about 80% were in unvaccinated patients. Even if you’ve already had the flu once this season, you can contract it again, so a flu shot can offer you protection.

Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised or weakened immune systems are at a particularly high risk for complications. Even if you don’t fall into one of those categories, chances are good that you interact with these populations, so getting vaccinated can protect someone you love.

If you think you have the flu, consult with your physician as soon as possible, as there are antiviral medications available that can help. The flu is spread mainly through tiny air droplets, so be sure to wash your hands thoroughly, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze and cough and avoid contact with others while you are sick.

While coronavirus is serious and its headlines are scary, the current threat level for this illness in Kentucky is low. Influenza is a much greater, deadlier virus that is already widespread. Protect yourself and your family this season and exercise a few simple steps to help prevent flu.

R. Brent Wright, M.D. is President of the Kentucky Medical Association. Ben Chandler is President and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.