Alan Light / CC
Flu season is hitting Louisiana early, and hard. State health officer Dr. Joseph Kanter says flu activity is twice the national average.
“This is what’s happening here we’ve already exceeded the five-year rate and we’ve no signs of slowing yet,” Kanter said.
Kanter says over 10-percent of emergency room visits in Louisiana are individuals who are sick with the flu.
He says this follows two years of lower flu rates because people were taking precautions due to COVID. He says people may be putting off getting their flu shots because after COVID they’ve got vaccine fatigue. However, he says the flu vaccine takes effect relatively quickly and urges people to get vaccinated, especially with the holidays approaching.
“We’ve got work to do, getting people caught up on vaccines so we can mitigate as much as possible what is already a very strong flu season,” Kanter said.
Kanter said the current vaccines are up to date and effective at preventing the current flu strains now making the rounds. He urges everyone six months of age or older to get the flu shot. He says this season the flu has already caused one pediatric death in Louisiana.
He says if you don’t have health insurance or are low on funds you can get a free shot.
“There’s flu vaccine events, flu vaccine fairs throughout the state. They can also go to any of the parish health units,” he said.
For more information on free vaccines or to find your local health unit go to ldh.la.gov
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