• Home
  • Advertise With Us
  • Login

KC Our Health Matters

Black Men Speak: Health, Strength and Hope
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Awards & Events
    • Advertise With Us
  • Our Departments
    • Community
    • Cover Story
    • Food & Fitness
    • Online Articles
    • Health
    • Publisher’s Greeting
    • Videos
  • Digital Magazine
    • Digital Magazine
    • Caregivers Resource Guide
  • Subscription
  • Vaccination Update
    • COVID-19
  • Contact Us
You are at :Home»Cover Story»Protect Yourself and Loved Ones from the Flu
Dr. Randall Williams, DHSS Director, received his flu shot on September 18 at the Cole County Health Department.

Protect Yourself and Loved Ones from the Flu

Cover Story

By Lisa Cox, Chief, Office of Public Information
Missouri DHSS of Health and Senior Services

Getting a flu shot is likely not on your radar right now. A California public health system has already reported a flu-associated death of a 4-year-old who had underlying health issues. While seasonal flu viruses are detected year-round in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says flu activity typically begins to increase in October and peak between December and February. Activity can last as late as May.

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, and can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk of serious flu complications. The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine every year.

“While it is extremely important for every Missourian to get their flu shot, it is especially important that those in high-risk groups receive their vaccination,” said Dr. Randall Williams, DHSS Director. “And while we were encouraged last year by lower incidence rates of flu in Missouri, we cannot let down our guard and skip flu shots, or we may see increased rates of incidence and flu-related deaths in the state.”

The groups considered high-risk are:

  • Adults 65 years and older
  • Pregnant women
  • Young children
  • Children with neurologic conditions
  • And individuals with these conditions: asthma, heart disease or stroke, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and/or cancer.

All Missourians are encouraged to get their flu shot before the end of November, as it can take two weeks for an individual to be protected against the flu.

The flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits each year. According to the CDC, flu vaccination in the 2017-2018 flu season prevented an estimated 7 million illnesses and more than 100,000 influenza-related hospitalizations nationwide.

Don’t put off getting vaccinated this year. To find a flu shot clinic near you, contact one of the following local health departments:

Kansas City, MO • 816-513-6008

Kansas City, KS/Wyandotte County • 913-573-8855

Johnson County Department of Health & Environment • 913-826-1200

2019-11-07
kcourhealthmatters
linkedin Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest Stumble More
Previous Article :

Johnny Waller: “Mr. Kindness!”

Next Article :

Navigating Life with Diabetes? Here’s a Powerful Tip — Get to Know Your A1c

Related Articles

Making Sense of Why Some People Experience  Poorer Health Outcomes

Making Sense of Why Some People Experience Poorer Health Outcomes

kcourhealthmatters 30 Apr 2017
12 Years, A Brave Step: Pursuing Health Literacy to Improve Health Outcomes

12 Years, A Brave Step: Pursuing Health Literacy to Improve Health Outcomes

kcourhealthmatters 30 Apr 2017
Unchecked Stress Can Seriously Affect Your Health

Unchecked Stress Can Seriously Affect Your Health

kcourhealthmatters 01 May 2017

Vaccine Updates

Sheffield Place

Mother’s Refuge

Hope Haven of Cass County

Benilde Hall

Popular Articles

Who Cares for the Caregiver?
Health

Who Cares for the Caregiver?

kcourhealthmatters 10 Nov 2017
health matters
Cover Story

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

kcourhealthmatters 12 Sep 2017
Achieving Goals
Health

Jobs, Education, and Training Support Healthier Lives

kcourhealthmatters 20 Apr 2017
Are Pilates Right for you
Food & Fitness

You’ve Heard of Pilates, But Is it Right for You?

kcourhealthmatters 05 Jul 2017
Five Ways to Make Getting Healthy a Family Affair
Health

Five Ways to Make Getting Healthy a Family Affair

kcourhealthmatters 05 Jul 2017
  • Community
  • Food & Fitness
  • Health
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap

KC Our Health Matters
Since Our Health Matters™ launched in 2005, we have provided readers with insight into how to live healthier lives.

Recent Posts

  • Black Men Speak: Health, Strength and Hope

    Black Men Speak: Health, Strength and Hope

    18 Nov 2022
  • GET THE FACTS ABOUT LONG-TERM & SHORT-TERM SKILLED CARE

    GET THE FACTS ABOUT LONG-TERM & SHORT-TERM SKILLED CARE

    11 Oct 2022
  • Aging Changes Our Bones

    Aging Changes Our Bones

    11 Oct 2022

Subscribe Now

    Copyright 2021, All Rights Reserved - KC Our Health Matters