Flu hitting Kansas hard, early
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Kansas health officials say the state is being hit hard by the flu in the current flu season.
The state health department said Kansas recorded 699 deaths from Sept. 1 through Monday in which flu and/or pneumonia was a direct or contributing factor.
Department spokeswoman Miranda Steele said the rate of people being treated for influenza-like illness in Kansas is about 5 percent. She said that rate never reached 5 percent in the 2011-2012 and 2010-2011 flu seasons. The highest rate during those two seasons was 3.5 percent.
State epidemiologist Charles Hunt told The Associated Press the flu usually peaks in February, but it was about a month ahead of time this year.
Hunt urges Kansans who haven't done so to get a flu shot.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.