The Department of Public Health says they’ve seen an uptick in flu cases across Kentucky.
That mirrors a nationwide spike. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says flu infections are at the highest levels since 2009. Around 10% of Kentucky’s emergency department visits last week were for a flu-like illness.
Kentucky Public Health Commissioner Steven Stack says the past couple weeks have seen the highest amount of flu cases this season.
“We do see, commonly, spikes in emergency department visits for those illnesses. But we had not been seeing that high volume of visits this season so far. So we are solidly entering the peak phase of influenza this year,” Stack said.
Stack says the best thing to do while sick is to stay home.
“Do not go out in public, don't go to work, don't go to school, don't knowingly spread disease to other people. That's just as kind of a basic act of human kindness, and it helps ensure that fewer people are missing work and school and things that they need to do in their daily lives,” Stack said.
Stack also reminds Kentuckians of the usual ways to kill germs. That includes washing your hands, using hand sanitizer and covering your mouth while coughing. He also says to get vaccinated against the flu in the meantime.
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.
