Kentucky’s flu activity status has been upgraded after 275 new cases were reported during the week of Nov. 17-23.

The state’s flu activity status is considered regional, a classification that is applied when increases in flu cases have been confirmed in at least two, but fewer than half, of the state’s 17 regions.

There have been 785 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza in Kentucky since the flu season started in September.

No flu-related deaths have been reported this season.

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness.

Some people, such as older people, young children and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk for the flu.

Symptoms of the flu include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue (tiredness).

More serious symptoms can result in hospitalization or death.

Last season, the state had 17,665 confirmed cases and 196 flu-related deaths, including two children.

The best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to be vaccinated.

But there is a lot of misinformation about the flu vaccine that discourages some people from being vaccinated against the virus.

The CDC offers the following information about some common myths regarding the flu vaccine:

— Can a flu vaccine give you the flu? Flu vaccines cannot cause flu illness. Flu shots are made in two ways: either with flu viruses that have been ‘inactivated’ (killed) and that therefore are not infectious, or using only a single gene from a flu virus (as opposed to the full virus) in order to produce an immune response without causing infection.

— Are any of the available flu vaccines recommended over the others? There are many vaccine options to choose from, but the most important thing is for all people 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine every year. If you have questions about which vaccine is best for you, talk to your doctor or other health care professional.

— Is it better to get the flu than the flu vaccine? Flu can be a serious disease, particularly among young children, older adults and people with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes. Any flu infection can carry a risk of serious complications, hospitalization or death, even among otherwise healthy children and adults. Therefore, getting vaccinated is a safer choice than risking illness to obtain immune protection.

— What about people who get a seasonal flu vaccine and still get sick with flu symptoms? There are several reasons why someone might get a flu symptoms, even after they have been vaccinated against flu.

Some people can become ill from other respiratory viruses besides flu such as rhinoviruses, which are associated with the common cold, cause symptoms similar to flu and also spread and cause illness during the flu season. The flu vaccine only protects against influenza, not other illnesses.

It is possible to be exposed to influenza viruses, which cause the flu, shortly before getting vaccinated or during the two-week period after vaccination that it takes the body to develop immune protection. This exposure may result in a person becoming ill with flu before protection from the vaccine takes effect.

Some people may experience flu like symptoms despite getting vaccinated is they may have been exposed to a flu virus that is different from the viruses the vaccine is designed to protect against. The ability of a flu vaccine to protect a person depends largely on the similarity or “match” between the viruses selected to make the vaccine and those spreading and causing illness. There are many different flu viruses that spread and cause illness among people.

The flu vaccine can vary in how well it works and some people who get vaccinated may still get sick.

Still, vaccines remain best way to protect against the flu.

Other beneficial practices include regular hand washing, cover in your mouth when you sneeze or cough, decontaminating surfaces regularly and staying home when you feel ill.

Editorials represent the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. The board is comprised of publisher Michael Caldwell and Bluegrass Newsmedia editors Whitney Leggett and Ben Kleppinger. To inquire about a meeting with the board, contact Caldwell at 759-0095.