Flu cases surge in Jefferson County as health officials stress importance of vaccines

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Kentucky Department for Public Health says respiratory viruses like the flu are starting to hit Kentuckians hard.

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health reports more than 3,700 cases of the flu were reported in Jefferson County since the end of September.

There have been 10 outbreaks in residential settings like nursing homes.

Doctors say the best way to protect yourself from the flu is by getting a vaccine. A flu vaccine is recommended for people six months and older, and it's still not too late to get one.

The health department also encourages those 75 and older and some people 60-74 with certain chronic health conditions receive a RSV or respiratory syncytial virus vaccine. Parents with children 8 months old or younger should talk to their pediatrician about protection against RSV.

A pneumonia vaccine is recommended for people who are 50 and older, children younger than 5 years old, people who have a weakened immune system or chronic health conditions like COPD, and people who smoke.

The pneumonia vaccine doesn't prevent all cases, but lowers your chances of getting the infection.

In addition, the health department stresses ways you can protect yourself and others from respiratory illnesses: