 Friday, October 10, 2025
Should you get a flu vaccine?
 Flu season has begun in Louisville, and local healthcare systems have begun reporting cases. Last year’s flu season was especially severe, with high rates of severe illness and hospitalizations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classified it as the most severe flu season since 2010-2011.
Flu is a respiratory virus and can spread quickly. When someone with the flu coughs or sneezes, the flu virus gets in the air and people close by can inhale it through their noses or mouths. It can also be spread when people touch a contaminated surface like a door handle then put their fingers in their noses or mouths or rub their eyes
The flu can last a week or longer. Common symptoms include:
- A sudden fever (usually above 100.4°F or 38°C)
- Chills
- Headache, body aches, and being a lot more tired than usual
- Sore throat
- Dry, hacking cough
- Stuffy, runny nose
- Some people, especially children, may throw up (vomit) and have loose stools (diarrhea).
The good news is flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older and available at healthcare providers and local pharmacies. Getting vaccinated helps to prevent getting the flu or reduces the risk of serious complications if you do get it.
Bottom line: Flu season is here. Take all the steps you can to stay well.
- Get a flu vaccine. October is the perfect time to get immunized against flu.
- Children younger than 9 years who have never been vaccinated or have only had a single flu vaccine in their lifetime need two doses given four weeks apart.
- Practice good hygiene like washing your hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue, and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces.
- Wearing a mask offers an extra layer of protection from respiratory viruses that are spread by coughing, sneezing, talking.
- When you're sick:
- Use precautions to prevent spread. Stay home and away from others.
- Seek health care promptly for treatment as it may help lower your risk of severe illness.
As always, talk to your healthcare provider about what’s best for you.
Resources for more information:
|
Panel of media experts will address
questions about vaccines
Have questions about vaccines? Get real answers from trusted medical professionals during “Real Talk with Doctors and Nurses About Vaccines,” a Facebook Live event from 7:30 to 9 p.m. (EST) on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
This is a great opportunity for community members to hear directly from doctors and nurses, ask questions, and learn the facts about vaccines.
You can tune in at facebook.com/FoundationForAHealthyKentucky or preregister here.
WIC breastfeeding classes offer
a network and tips to pregnant women
 Pregnant women can connect online at 3 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month for our WIC breastfeeding classes.
This class covers breastfeeding support and nursing your newborn, including how to begin, how to determine if your baby is receiving enough milk and more.
For more information and to sign up, please contact Bri Fern at Brittney.Fern@louisvilleky.gov or (502) 224-8702.
Church's health fair will provide
free health screenings
The 33rd Annual Redeemer Lutheran Church Community Festival and Health Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11 at the church, 3640 River Park Drive.
The event will feature a yard sale, children's activities, free lunch, gift card giveaways, health screenings and much more. To schedule a mammogram, please call (502) 852-6318.
For more information, please call (502) 776-5945.
|
