Although overall flu activity has leveled off slightly in early January, the Northern Kentucky Health Department is seeing an increase in cases in adults age 65 and older. Many of these cases are serious, and require hospitalization
“It’s not surprising that flu cases are rising in our older adult population,” said Dr. Lynne M. Saddler, district director of health. “Adults ages 65 and older may have weaker immune systems than younger people, and it may be harder for them to fight off infection. Further, the predominant strain we are seeing, H3N2, has historically been associated with more severe illness in the very old and the very young.”
More than 2,700 cases of flu have been reported in Northern Kentucky to date. While recent case data is still being analyzed, case tracking from December shows the increase among older adults: Through December 13, about 40 cases had been reported in adults age 61 and older. The number increased to 264 cases as of December 27. Four deaths have been reported, three in adults over 65 and one in a child under 18 (which was announced previously). In an average year, nearly 90 percent of the deaths associated with seasonal flu occur in people ages 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A first step in protecting older adults is vaccination. The vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older, but adults age 65 and older or with chronic medical conditions should be sure to get vaccinated. The Health Department is offering doses of the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine, which is designed to create a stronger immune response, and therefore, better protect, older adults from flu. The vaccine is available by appointment at the Health Department’s county health centers.
The Health Department is charging $20 for the vaccine, but no one will be turned away for inability to pay. Locations are:
· Boone County Health Center, 7505 Burlington Pike, Florence 859-363-2060
· Campbell County Health Center, 1098 Monmouth St., Newport 859-431-1704
· Grant County Health Center, 234 Barnes Road, Williamstown 859-824-5074
· Kenton County Health Center, 2002 Madison Avenue, Covington 859-431-3345
“Even in a season where the strain circulating isn’t an exact match to the vaccine, getting vaccinated still has value,” said Saddler. “Antibodies created through vaccination with one influenza virus can offer some protection against different influenza viruses—this is called cross-protection. A person who is vaccinated is likely to have less severe illness as well. Further, the vaccine will protect against other strains of flu, which could circulate locally in the coming months.”
Besides vaccination, the Health Department recommends the following actions to protect older adults, and others, from flu:
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
· Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
· Stay home from work, school and errands when you or a family member is sick with flu. Keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick. If you are sick, do not visit relatives or friends in the hospital or in long-term care facilities/ nursing homes.
If you become ill with symptoms of flu, including fever and fatigue, contact your health care provider to see if it is appropriate to use antiviral medications. Certain symptoms signal a more serious infection and require immediate attention, including difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in the abdomen, sudden dizziness or confusion, and severe or persistent vomiting.
For more information on flu, click here.
From NKy Health Department