Flu cases in Kentucky continue to drop, but could still rise; as long as there are any cases, it’s not too late to get vaccinated

By Al Cross Published February 7, 2022 CORONAVIRUS, FEATURED, HEALTH POLICY, YOUR HEALTH

State graph, adapted by Ky. Health News, shows flu-like illness at low level but higher than last year
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By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News

After reaching a peak in mid-December, influenza cases in Kentucky have declined for six consecutive weeks, with fewer than 100 lab confirmed cases reported in the state’s latest report.

The latest weekly report from the state Department for Public Health shows that in the week ended Jan. 29, Kentucky counted only 96 flu cases, down from 147 the week prior. The state has now recorded 2,488 cases this season and has reported no flu-related deaths.

The number of flu-like illnesses reported to the health department is much lower than usual but still higher than last flu season, when measures taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus also thwarted flu viruses.

The state’s flu level is “regional,” which applies when increases in flu cases have been confirmed in at least two, but fewer than half, of the state’s 16 regions. Flu season usually peaks between December and March, but can run through May.

As long as flu activity continues, health officials say it’s still not too late for everyone six months and older to get a flu shot. And remember, it takes two weeks after getting the vaccine for it to be effective.
The report shows cases are increasing in one region: Davies, Henderson, Union, Webster, McLean, Ohio and Hancock. McCracken County is among the counties with the highest number of lab-confirmed cases, with 14. Others are Jefferson, 26; Hart and Warren, 8 each; and Pike, 5.