Though the recent balmy weather seems more fitting for reminders to be on the lookout for mosquitos spreading West Nile Virus, the Kansas Depart?ment of Health and Environment is urging all Kansans to receive an annual flu vaccination to protect themselves and their loved ones. It?s not too late. In fact, Dec. 2-8 is National Influenza Vaccination Week.
KDHE reports that on average, 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population contracts the flu yearly, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized with flu complications. During the 2011-12 influenza season, influenza and pneumonia?a common complication of influenza?contributed to or directly caused more than 1,300 deaths among Kansas residents. It was the eighth leading underlying cause of death in 2011.
Guard your health. Get vaccinated. ?DR
