National map of reported influenza activity for the week ending November 2, 2013. (Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A state health official says flu season has started in Kansas but there isn't any indication that this year's outbreak will be any worse than in previous years. Charlie Hunt, state epidemiologist for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said Thursday that the first flu cases were reported in Sedgwick County but no widespread outbreaks have been reported. Hunt says many factors help spread the flu virus, but weather isn't the major indicator. He says the focus should be on the strain of the flu virus that is circulating. Residents are being offered two flu vaccines, one aimed at three seasonal strains and one targeting four.