Flu season is still very much alive in Kansas, according to Sedgwick County health director Adrienne Byrne. She says flu activity has picked up in recent weeks and health officials aren’t sure if it has peaked yet.
In a report for Sedgwick County commissioners, Byrne said visits to outpatient clinics picked up last week, and although this year has been less severe than previous flu seasons, activity is still high.
Byrne said figures from the Centers for Disease Control show an estimated number of flu-related medical visits somewhere between 9.5 and 11 million from October through late February. There were over 270 million hospitalizations during that time, with estimated deaths well over 17,000.
Byrne said it’s not too late to get a flu shot. It’s recommended for anyone six months of age and older unless a doctor advises against it. She said washing hands with soap and water can also help prevent the spread of the disease. People should cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow, and people who are ill should stay home.
The health department location at 2716 West Central still has flu shots available for uninsured adults 19 and older, uninsured children 18 and younger, and children under Medicaid. A sliding fee schedule is offered for flu shots and people should bring proof of income.
