The editor:
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with the flu. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their nose, eyes or mouth. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to pass on the flu to someone before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get a flu shot each year.
Everyone with diabetes six months of age and older should receive an annual flu shot. It is important to vaccinate everyone with diabetes (as well as their close contacts) since the vaccine prevents serious illness and complications. The Kentucky Department for Public Health reports that only 1/2 of Kentuckians who have diabetes get a flu shot as recommended and that death rate among people with diabetes increase by 5% to 15%.
Your local health department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would like you to know that it is never too late to get a flu shot. Flu vaccination can continue into December and even later. Experts anticipate more vaccine to be available this year than ever before and the flu season typically does not peak until February, leaving plenty of time to help protect anyone who wants to reduce his or her risk.
Paula White
Chair, Public Awareness Workgroup
Kentucky Diabetes Network
paulah.white@ky.gov
Letters to the Editor
Diabetes and flu, a bad combination
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Elliott County outreach changes
On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the Elliott County Christian Community Center became an incorporated service organization. Christian Social Services congratulates the leaders in Elliott County for their enthusiasm, compassion and dedication to the people of Elliott County.
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Bring better movies to Morehead
Don’t you love a good movie? We certainly do BUT for me that does not include “R” rated films. Of the seven movies advertised in the 1/20/12 issue of the News, five were rated “R.”
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Abortion advocate change of mind
As the new year begins, it is quite common to see printed in a newspaper or magazine a list of the names of prominent citizens who passed away in the preceding year. I recently came across such a list, and the name of one individual in particular caught my attention: Dr. Bernard Nathanson.
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Large sign is unsightly
While driving to Morehead today, I was dismayed to see that Cracker Barrel has erected one of their typical ultra-high “signs on a stick.” I somehow thought that Morehead’s sign ordinance would protect our community from this unsightliness and that the sign would be the same height as those of surrounding businesses.
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Political cartoon was off the mark
I don’t know how the political cartoons you publish are chosen, but I take exception to the one in the Dec. 27, 2011 issue of the paper. The cartoonist obviously does not agree with Time magazine’s choice of The Protester as Person of the Year.
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Business owners say thanks
We would like to take this opportunity to thank The Morehead News and Noelle Hunter for the lovely article about the loss of our small business, Clay Makin’s.
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Contest helps learn about energy use
As the New Year approaches, many of us are thinking of ways to save money. One way to do that is to reduce your energy usage. This will save you money and save resources.
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Thanks for supporting speech team
The Rowan County Middle School Speech Team members and coaches would like to extend a heartfelt “THANK YOU” to Mr. Tom James, Kentucky Bank Branch Manager and father of 8th Grade speech team member Haley James and all the staff of Kentucky Bank for their recent generous and most appreciated financial gift to the speech team.
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Thanks for Haldeman Christmas program
The Haldeman Community Center board members would like to say “Thank You” to all who attended and supported our Christmas Program. We all enjoyed the play “The True Gift,” the man in the red suit and all the wonderful snacks.
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Storybook Christmas appreciates support
On behalf of the Storybook Christmas Committee, I would like to thank the community for generous support of our project again this year. Storybook Christmas is an annual project of the Adult Basic Education and Literacy (ABEL) Council and the MSU Adult Learning Center.
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Elliott County outreach changes
