TOPEKA, Kan. – Influenza activity has increased substantially in Kansas and health officials are encouraging everyone six months of age and older to get vaccinated, if they have not already done so this season.

Based on data from the Outpatient Influenza-like Illness Surveillance Network (ILINet), influenza activity has increased in nearly every region of the state. Overall, more than 10 percent of patient visits to ILINet clinics during the week ending Dec. 20, 2014, were due to influenza-like illness, and Kansas is reporting “widespread” influenza activity. Since Sept. 1, 2014, through Dec. 20, 2014, 333 influenza- or pneumonia-related deaths have been reported in Kansas during the current influenza season.

On average, five 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 peak of the 2013-2014 influenza season in Kansas, approximately six percent of all health care visits in ILINet clinics were due to influenza-like illness. Influenza or pneumonia contributed to or was the direct cause of 1,135 deaths among Kansas residents during the 2013-2014 influenza season. Influenza and pneumonia were the seventh leading underlying cause of death in 2013 in Kansas.

Nearly all persons six months and older are recommended to receive a flu vaccine every year. Vaccination is especially important for protecting those at high risk for serious flu complications, including young children, pregnant women, adults 65 years and older, and anyone with chronic health conditions like asthma, heart disease, and diabetes. Those caring for, or in regular contact with, an infant less than six months of age should also be immunized. At this age, babies are too young to be vaccinated and are more vulnerable to complications from influenza.

Symptoms of the flu include: fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough and muscle aches. Complications can include pneumonia, ear and sinus infections and dehydration; the flu might also worsen other chronic conditions.

It’s not too late to vaccinate. To get your flu vaccine, please contact your health care provider or the local health department. Visit www.kdheks.gov/flu for more flu facts.