With widespread activity of influenza in Kansas, State Health Officer Robert Moser, M.D., says it is not too late to vaccinate against the flu, and he encourages employers to take the necessary steps for a healthy workplace.

“I would ask that business owners and managers encourage their employees to stay at home when ill to avoid the spread of influenza in the community. It’s also important for everyone to wash their hands throughout the day with warm, soapy water and to sanitize telephones, keyboards and other office equipment used often,” said Moser, who is also the Secretary for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

“The typical peak for cases of flu in Kansas occurs in February, and the rates we are observing now are higher and earlier than what we usually see,” said Moser.

During the 2011-2012 influenza season, influenza and pneumonia, a common complication of influenza, contributed to or directly caused more than 1,300 deaths among Kansas residents.  In the current influenza season, more than 460 influenza and pneumonia deaths have been reported to date.

Influenza vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone six months of age and older to reduce the risk of becoming ill with the flu and reduce the risk of spreading the flu to others.