Flu cases on the rise in Lexington

Originally published by WEKU.

Public health officials in Lexington say flu cases are on the rise. Kevin Hall is the spokesman for the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department. He said the latest numbers are just the tip of the iceberg.

“We reported 243 lab-confirmed cases last weeks, which takes us to just under 1,600 for the season. And, as always, it’s important to remember these are only the lab-confirmed cases, so many providers do the rapid test to determine, “Is this flu? Is this COVID? Is it something else?’”

Hall said flu season doesn’t typically peak until late January and early February – so it’s not too late to get the flu vaccine.

“Here in Lexington, about 83% of the positive cases have not received the flu shot this year. And if you do get the flu shot and still get the flu, chances are you’re going to have milder symptoms and you won’t be as sick for as long.”

Hall said the flu can keep people out of commission for seven to 10 days — so any relief from that is a benefit. Lexington’s health department offers free vaccinations to people without health insurance.

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Originally published by WEKU.

Republished with permission.

https://www.weku.org/lexington-richmond/2024-01-23/flu-cases-on-the-rise-in-lexington