Flu numbers jumped 65% in first week of year; about half of cases are children; several months left in flu season, so get your shot

By Al Cross
Kentucky Health News

The number of influenza cases confirmed in Kentucky rose by 65 percent in the first week of 2019, adding nearly 1,000 cases for a total of 2,408 in the current flu season, according to the latest weekly surveillance report from the state Department for Public Health.

The department reported the first flu outbreak in a long-term-care facility, and for the first time reported cases in all 17 of the state's health regions. It said all but one of those regions (which it didn't specify) reported increased flu activity.

On the department's county-by-county map, the relatively small county of Monroe and the less-than-average sized county of Perry stood out. The state has confirmed 106 cases in Perry and 71 in Monroe in the last calendar quarter. Others could have similar numbers; 46 of the state's 120 counties had no cases or did not report. Those included some relatively large counties.

Anderson News Editor-Publisher Ben Carlson told Kentucky Health News in an email that his county doesn't show up on the map because most physicians (and the clinic at the local health department) "use a rapid nasal swab, which provides results in about eight minutes but are not reportable. Reportable cases are done with a nasal swab that is sent to a lab."

About half the Kentuckians who have been proven to have influenza in the current season are under 21. That underlines the importance of getting children vaccinated, because they are more vulnerable to serious complications of the flu, which include death. There is still plenty of time to get the vaccine, because flu season runs until May. It takes about two weeks to take full effect.

Andy Samberg and Sandra Oh

State officials and health advocates have made a special effort to get Kentuckians vaccinated this season, because last time around, more than 300 people in Kentucky, including five children, died as a result of the flu. The problem is national, and even the Golden Globe Awards got into the act, "with hosts Andy Samberg and Sandra Oh announcing that techs from Rite Aid would be providing flu shots to attendees. This bold move was meant to call out the vocal anti-vaccine celebrities who use their platform to expound views that are not scientifically informed," Sarah Fankhauser reports for Salon.

"Many who refuse to get the flu shot insist that they are not anti-vaxxers," writes Fankhauser, an assistant professor at Emory University in Atlanta and an expert in infectious diseases. "Yet, the arguments spouted by those who refuse to get their shot are grounded in as little scientific basis as those typically given by anti-vaxxers." Those arguments, and the facts to the contrary, include:

Every time I get the flu vaccine I get sick. "You can feel ill after getting the flu vaccine, but you didn’t get the flu from the vaccine," Fankhauser explains. "It stimulates the immune system to make the appropriate antibodies, causes a bit of inflammation and that can cause uncomfortable symptoms. Another explanation is that you actually got sick, either from the flu virus you picked up prior to getting the vaccine, or from a completely different virus altogether." The vaccine is made from dead virus, so it can't inflect you.

I never get the flu, so why should I get the vaccine? "Think about the flu vaccine like buying a lottery ticket—except that the vaccine has odds that are much, much more in your favor," Fanhkauser reports. "The less selfish response: It’s not just about you. Limiting outbreaks and reducing the number of infections benefits everyone. Think about the immunocompromised, elderly or very young. Many people in those categories cannot get the flu vaccine or have limited protection from the vaccine, and they are at greater risk for contracting the flu and for developing severe complications, including death. When everyone gets the flu vaccine, the risk to these individuals is reduced."

The shot only offers limited protection, so why get the vaccine if I’m just going to get the flu anyway? "Some people, and many who refuse to get the vaccine for this reason, have the idea that the development of the seasonal flu vaccine is haphazard. It’s not," Fankhauser writes. "There is a rigorous, methodical scientific approach to developing the vaccine every year. Unfortunately, some years the vaccine is less effective than other years. However, the vaccine will always provide some protection, which is better than none. Even in the worst years, and even with limited protection, the vaccine can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms."

It’s so inconvenient; I have to get it every year! "It can be certainly inconvenient to schedule time to get the vaccine each year, but more inconvenient is the huge financial cost to getting the flu," Fankhauser argues. "The costs can include doctor visits, medicine and a reduced paycheck for missing work. Companies and employers have to deal with covering shifts and lost productivity when employees take a week or more off of work to recover from the flu."

Anderson Co. Middle School bans fictional teen suicide book from curriculum; school psychologists' group has concerns about book

Anderson County Middle School will no longer use a fictional book on teenage suicide for classroom instruction, citing a controversial Netflix series that is based on the book as a contributor to this decision, Ben Carlson reports for The Anderson News.

“The series played a factor in the decision to no longer use the book,” Supt. Sheila Mitchell told Carlson. “Also, the manner in which the book was beginning to be used for fall 2016 was not the original intent, so the principal informed the teacher to find other resources to support the concept.”

Principal Jenna Rose told Carlson that portions of the book, 13 Reasons Why, had been approved for use in a middle-school enrichment class during the 2016 spring semester to support a concept in standards. The book was not being used in any of the elementary or high schools.

The book "follows a fictional character named Hannah Baker who leaves behind 13 cassette tapes that explain why she committed suicide, and how 13 different people or situations contributed to it," Carlson writes. Netflix made the book into a 13-episode original miniseries that mental-health experts have criticized for many reasons, including concerns that it will romanticize the act of suicide.

Corey Sayre, a history and economics teacher at the high school, said he watched the series along with his wife, a counselor at a nearby school district. He told Carlson that the series reinforces two problems in preventing youth suicide: the main character didn't want to go to an adult, and the counselors were portrayed in an unrealistic way that reinforces the belief that kids can't trust adults.

"I don’t want kids to think that adults can’t be trusted," Sayre said. He added, "Understanding where your child’s mental health is just as important or maybe more important than knowing where their physical health is. At this age they are developing thoughts and stuff and we just have so little time with them compared to their friends or pop culture. Knowing where they are mentally and emotionally is really important.”

Carlson reports that school districts across the country have also banned the book from classrooms. Other schools have banned discussions about the miniseries.

The Kentucky Department of Education issued a warnings after the Netflix series was released that referenced comments from the National Association of School Psychologists.

“We do not recommend that vulnerable youth, especially those who have any degree of suicidal ideation, watch this series,” the organization said. “Its powerful storytelling may lead impressionable viewers to romanticize the choices made by the characters and/or develop revenge fantasies.”

The association listed a series of concerns, including:

• The graphic depiction of bullying, sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape, and suicide can be very triggering, especially for anyone who is struggling or has struggled in the past with any of these things.
• The show offers an over-simplified view of suicide by failing to mention mental illness.
• There are little to no help-seeking behaviors shown by the characters. Adults are portrayed as dismissive, distracted, and unhelpful, which is a dangerous message to send to viewers.
• Suicide contagion is also a concern since young people are more likely to attempt or die by suicide themselves after experiencing a suicide death of someone close to them.

Jefferson County Public Schools also sent a resource letter to thousands of parents in April to warn them about the miniseries and offered detailed guidance on how to talk to their children about it. It also offered a list of other resources, including: 13 Reasons Why Talking Points, Preventing Youth Suicide Brief Facts (also available in Spanish) and Preventing Youth Suicide: Tips or Parents and Educators.

The education department says suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults in Kentucky. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Louisville schools, national school psychologists' group warn about Netflix miniseries on a fictional youth suicide

"A Netflix original miniseries that is getting a lot of attention throughout the country prompted Jefferson County Public Schools to send a resource letter to thousands of its parents, Antoinette Konz reports for Louisville's WDRB-TV.

"13 Reasons Why" is a 13-episode drama about the fictional suicide of a young woman "who leaves behind a series of 13 messages for specific people in her life that she blames for her death," Konz writes. "It is based on a novel by the same name. . . . Mental health experts and organizations have been critical of the series since its March 31 premiere."

The National Association of School Psychologists recommended that "vulnerable youth, especially those who have any degree of suicidal ideation," not watch the series. "Its powerful storytelling may lead impressionable viewers to romanticize the choices made by the characters and/or develop revenge fantasies."

Murray State University student Paula Jaco wrote on Facebook, "This show is very trigger-worthy. Please be aware before starting the series." She told Leah Shields of Paducah's WPSD-TV that she was hospitalized for mental illness in December, and "I think they had a chance to really campaign for suicide prevention, and they missed the mark."

JCPS spokeswoman Allison Martin said the school district sent the letter to parents because guidance counselors heard discussion about the miniseries in classrooms and elsewhere in school buildings. Here are excerpts from the letter:

. . . Unfortunately, suicide is all too real.  In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was the third leading cause of death for people ages 10-24.  

If your student has watched the series, or has mentioned it at all, it is recommended that you discuss the show with your child.  If you have not seen the series, you may want to watch it yourself, or possibly view it with your student; however, it may not be appropriate for some students at all as it is graphic and depicts scenes of suicide, rape, sexual assault, alcohol use and violence. Also, please be advised that students without access to Netflix can still view parts of the series on YouTube.

If you feel you need additional guidance on suicidal thoughts, depression or how to address the series, we encourage you to talk with your child's school counselor.  We have also included talking points and general guidance for families.  Thank you for partnering with us to keep your child safe.

Guidance for Families:

• Ask your child if he or she has heard or seen the series '13 Reasons Why.' While we don't recommend that they be encouraged to view the series, do tell them you want to watch it, with them or to catch up, and discuss their thoughts.
• If they exhibit any of the warning signs, don't be afraid to ask if they have thought about suicide or if someone is hurting them. Raising the issue of suicide does not increase the risk or plant the idea. On the contrary, it creates the opportunity to offer help.
• Ask your child if they think any of their friends or classmates exhibit warning signs. Talk with them about how to seek help for their friend or classmate. Guide them on how to respond when they see or hear any of the warning signs.
• Listen to your children's comments without judgment. Doing so requires that you fully concentrate, understand, respond and then remember what is being said. Put your own agenda aside.
• Get help from a school-employed or community-based mental health professional if you are concerned for your child's safety or the safety of one of his or her peers.

The district cited other resources: 13 Reasons Why Talking Points, Preventing Youth Suicide Brief Facts (also available in Spanish) and Preventing Youth Suicide: Tips or Parents and Educators for additional information. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 

Louisville schools and national school psychologists' group warn parents about Netflix series on a fictional youth suicide

"A Netflix original miniseries that is getting a lot of attention throughout the country prompted Jefferson County Public Schools to send a resource letter to thousands of its parents," Antoinette Konz reports for Louisville's WDRB-TV.

"13 Reasons Why," Konz writes "is a fictional show that chronicles the suicide of a young woman who leaves behind a series of 13 messages for specific people in her life that she blames for her death. It is based on a novel by the same name. . . . Mental health experts and organizations have been critical of the series since its March 31 premiere."

The National Association of School Psychologists recommended that youth "with any degree of suicidal ideation" not watch the series because it sensationalizes youth suicide. "Its powerful storytelling may lead impressionable viewers to romanticize the choices made by the characters and/or develop revenge fantasies."

JCPS spokeswoman Allison Martin told Konz said the school district sent the letter after guidance counselors heard discussion about the miniseries in classrooms and elsewhere in school buildings.

"It's a conversation our guidance counselors were having with students and parents and they wanted to know what resources were available to them, Martin said.

Here are excerpts from the letter:

Unfortunately, suicide is all too real. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was the third leading cause of death for people ages 10-24. . . . If your student has watched the series, or has mentioned it at all, it is recommended that you discuss the show with your child. If you have not seen the series, you may want to watch it yourself, or possibly view it with your student; however, it may not be appropriate for some students at all as it is graphic and depicts scenes of suicide, rape, sexual assault, alcohol use and violence. Also, please be advised that students without access to Netflix can still view parts of the series on YouTube.

Guidance for Families:

• Ask your child if he or she has heard or seen the series '13 Reasons Why.' While we don't recommend that they be encouraged to view the series, do tell them you want to watch it, with them or to catch up, and discuss their thoughts.
• If they exhibit any of the warning signs, don't be afraid to ask if they have thought about suicide or if someone is hurting them. Raising the issue of suicide does not increase the risk or plant the idea. On the contrary, it creates the opportunity to offer help.
• Ask your child if they think any of their friends or classmates exhibit warning signs. Talk with them about how to seek help for their friend or classmate. Guide them on how to respond when they see or hear any of the warning signs.
• Listen to your children's comments without judgment. Doing so requires that you fully concentrate, understand, respond and then remember what is being said. Put your own agenda aside.
• Get help from a school-employed or community-based mental health professional if you are concerned for your child's safety or the safety of one of his or her peers.

The school district provided other resources: 13 Reasons Why Talking Points, Preventing Youth Suicide Brief Facts (also available in Spanish) and Preventing Youth Suicide: Tips or Parents and Educators for additional information. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Study says '16 and Pregnant' reality TV show is responsible for 5.7% decline in births to teens, but numbers still high in Kentucky

The MTV show "16 and Pregnant" has been highly criticized, not only for featuring pregnant teens, but because some of the cast members have since been arrested, gotten into trouble with drugs and alcohol, and one was featured in a sex tape. But, a study by researchers at the University of Maryland and Wellesley College for the National Bureau of Economic Research found that the show has actually helped lower the national rate of teen pregnancies, which are significantly higher in rural areas than urban ones. (MTV photo)

The rate of teen births dropped an average of 2.5 percent per year from 1991 to 2008, but from 2009, when the show premiered, to 2012, teen pregnancy has dropped 7.5 percent per year, according to the study. But it remains high. In 2012, more than 29 out of every 1,000 girls in the U.S. between the ages of 15 to 19 got pregnant, a rate higher than in any other developed country. In 2010, the rate was 33 per 1,000 girls, and in rural areas, 43 per 1,000, according to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unwanted Pregnancy.

While national numbers have decreased, Kentucky has not fared as well. In 2008, Kentucky was ranked 19th in the U.S. in pregnancies among girls and women 15-19, but in 2011, it ranked seventh, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In 2011, the state had 6,111 known pregnancies among older teens and 6,127 among girls under 20. The rate of teen pregnancy dropped 37 percent from 1991, when there was an all-time high of 61.8 births per every 1,000 girls, to 2011, but dropped only 6 percent from 2010 to 2011. In 2011, the national average was 31.3 births per 1,000 girls and women aged 15-19, but in Kentucky the number was 43.5. (Read more)

For county-by-county data on teen births, from KentuckyHealthFacts.org, click here.

Part of the study focused on social-media trends "to see whether locations with higher search activity and tweets about '16 and Pregnant' showed higher levels of searches and tweets about birth control and abortion," Jacque Wilson reports for CNN. "They did. The researchers also looked to see whether high viewership in certain areas corresponded with a bigger drop in teen births. It did."

Melissa Kearney, one of the study authors, told Wilson, "Shows that make it clear how hard it can be . . . affect girls who might not care otherwise. You see she's fighting with her boyfriend on a daily basis. She's gaining weight. Her friends are partying without her." That's why the researchers credit the show for helping lower the teen pregnancy rate, because it highlights "the difficulties of raising a child at such a young age and have concluded from this coincident timing that the show is at least partially responsible for the recent decrease in teen childbearing rates," according to the study.

"Our estimates imply that these shows led to a 5.7 percent reduction in teen births that would have been conceived between June 2009, when the show began, and the end of 2010. This can explain around one-third of the total decline in teen births over that period," the researchers write. "Data limitations preclude us from conducting separate analyses of pregnancies and abortions, but we note that teen abortion rates also fell over this period. This suggests that the show's impact is attributable to a reduction in pregnancy rather than greater use of abortion." To read the study click here.