A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

NKY Health: The flu has arrived in the region; get vaccinated to keep it from your holiday gatherings


The flu is here in Northern Kentucky. Get vaccinated now to keep your whole family healthy during the holiday season.

As of November 5, there have already been 93 cases of flu in Northern Kentucky. According to NKY Health District Director of Health, Dr. Lynne Saddler.

“We are seeing a higher number of cases of flu earlier in the flu season than in years past,” Saddler said. “Getting the flu shot now is the best way to protect yourself, and your loved ones, against the flu – before the rush of the holiday season and gatherings with family and friends.”

Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and tiredness. 

Anyone can get sick with the flu, and problems can happen at any age, but some people are at more risk for very serious complications.

This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease), pregnant women, and children younger than 5 years (and especially those younger than 2 years).

Both the CDC and manufacturers of the flu vaccine report that there are no shortages of vaccine.  Flu shots are widely available in our region. 

Medicaid, Medicare and most private health insurance providers cover flu vaccination as a preventive service.

You can visit your health care provider, or the many pharmacies and clinics in Northern Kentucky offering the flu shot.

The Health Department also offers flu vaccines by appointment at its four county health centers. For contact information, click here.

In addition to the flu shot, there are other steps you should take to prevent the spread of flu:  Wash your hands often with soap and water, keep your hands away from your face, cover your mouth and nose with your arm or a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and avoid others when you are sick.

Now is the time to get prepared for the holiday season by getting your flu shot, because the gift of flu is on no one’s wish list.

The Northern Kentucky Health Department provides public health services to more than 400,000 residents of Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton Counties, with a goal of preventing disease, promoting wellness and protecting against health threats. 

The Health Department seeks to be a nationwide leader in public health, and was one of the first in the country to earn national public health accreditation. 

For more information, click here.

NKY Health


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