Death toll from flu 'epidemic' in Kentucky reaches 100, including at least 4 children

Kentucky's death toll from the flu this year has reached 100, including at least four children who have died from what is being called an "epidemic."

State officials warn the virus strain this flu season, which ends in late May, can be "extremely serious, even deadly" for those in higher-risk categories, as well as generally healthy Kentuckians. There were 76 deaths recorded in Kentucky last flu season.

The commonwealth is in its seventh consecutive week of widespread flu activity, a classification that indicates at least half of the regions in the state are affected.

"During this time of widespread flu activity, we want to remind people to avoid contact with others if you have influenza or an influenza-like illness," Dr. Jeffrey D. Howard, the acting Department for Public Health commissioner, wrote in a news release. "If you are sick, seek care from your healthcare provider early."

Background: Death toll in Kentucky from widespread flu rises to 50, includes 2 children

More: Flu gets early start in Kentucky with two confirmed cases in the Louisville area

Federal health officials said Friday that 53 children nationwide have died from the flu this season and that hospitalization rates are at their highest in nearly a decade, according to USA TODAY.

Americans have been hospitalized for the illness at a rate of 51.4 per 100,000 people, the highest level since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began keeping comparable statistics in 2010.

The flu vaccine is recommended by state and federal health officials not only to prevent contracting the virus but also to potentially lessen its severity. The vaccine begins to protect the recipient from the flu in about two weeks.

"Flu vaccination is the most effective protection against the flu. We especially recommend that all healthy Kentuckians aged six months and older be vaccinated," Dr. Jonathan Ballard, the Department for Public Health's state epidemiologist, wrote in a release. "The flu season typically runs until late spring so it is not too late to get vaccinated."

Infection with the flu virus can cause fever, headache, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and body aches, according to state health officials. Those who develop symptoms are encouraged to seek medical advice to see if they should be treated with an antiviral drug to shorten the virus' course or lessen its severity.

People at high risk for developing flu-related complications include children younger than 5 years old, adults older than 65, pregnant women, residents of nursing homes, those with chronic illnesses and people with extreme obesity.

Of the deaths reported through late January, seven percent occurred in previously healthy individuals with no reported risk factors for severe illness, according to the state's Department for Public Health.

Since 2010, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been between 9.2 and 60.8 million flu cases each year, according to USA TODAY.

Deaths are estimated between 12,000 and 56,000 nationwide each year, while flu-related hospitalizations range between 140,000 and 710,000 a year, according to the CDC.

Darcy Costello: 502-582-4834; dcostello@courier-journal.com; Twitter: @dctello. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/darcyc.