At least 50 people, two of them children, have died from the flu in Kentucky, according to a the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

In a release last week, when the toll was 36, Acting Department for Public Health Commissioner Dr. Jeffrey D. Howard called the loss of the children a tragedy.

“Of the 36 flu-related deaths reported so far this season, two of those were children,” Howard said in a statement last week. “These personal losses are a reminder for all of us that flu can be a serious illness, for young and old alike.”

The average age of those killed by the flu, excluding the children, was 75 years old. Influenza A, the most common flu strain in Kentucky, has been attributed to the deaths.

Flu-season got started early in Kentucky, with two confirmed cases in Jefferson County back in September. There have been at least 49 outbreaks reported in Kentucky so far, many at long-term care facilities.

“Flu vaccination is the most effective protection against flu,” said Dr. Jonathan Ballard, the Department for Public Health’s State Epidemiologist. “The flu season typically runs until late spring so it is not too late to get vaccinated.”

Thomas Novelly: 502-582-4465; [email protected]; Twitter: @TomNovelly. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/tomn.

Tips to stop the spreading of germs:

  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine).
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.