Flu Numbers On The Rise In Lexington, Across The State

WUKY | By Josh James

Published January 4, 2019 at 5:33 PM EST

In this Feb. 26, 2015 photo taken through the eyepiece of a microscope, human cells infected with the flu virus glow green under light from a fluorescence microscope at a laboratory in Seattle.

The flu is now officially “widespread” in Kentucky, according to the state Department for Public Health.

The designation marks the highest level of flu activity the state can issue. It comes on the heels of an uptick in cases in Louisville and other regions across the commonwealth. And Fayette Health Commissioner Dr. Kraig Humbaugh says Lexington isn’t immune.

"Our reports of flu have increased really a lot this last month," he says. "In November we have very few cases that had been reported and we had a big increase in December."

And that’s only laboratory confirmed cases, the commissioner notes.

Humbaugh says a flu shot remains the best protection against the illness. As for the effectiveness of this year’s vaccine, he's reporting encouraging numbers so far.

"Initial reports are that the strains that have been identified as circulating in Kentucky are ones that the flu shot is effective against, but we're not far enough along in the flu season to really know for sure."

In addition, regular thorough handwashing – that’s 20 seconds with soap and water – is recommended.

Flu season in Kentucky typically lasts into May.