Flu remains widespread in Kentucky

Kentucky health officials say that the flu is continuing to rage across the state and is expected to continue to be a problem well into next month.

The Kentucky Department for Public Health sent out a health alert Wednesday, announcing flu activity in the state to be "widespread" for the ninth consecutive week, with flu-like activity or outbreaks having been reported in at least half of the state's regions.

Dr. Kraig Humbaugh, senior deputy commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, recommended in a statement that people get the flu vaccine now if they haven't already had it.

The department says the vaccine is in good supply in the state and many health plans will pay for it.

Flu season usually begins in October and can last through May.