LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18)– Hepatitis A has taken the spotlight lately in terms of illnesses Kentuckians are on the lookout for, but the Fayette County Health Department is urging people not to forget about the flu as the season ramps up.
With just 77 lab-confirmed cases of flu in Fayette County this season, you might not think it’s much of a threat, but the Fayette County Health Department says don’t let that fool you.
“If you get on social media right now, there are probably 77 currently posting right now about flu in their family,” said Kevin Hall with the Fayette County Health Department.
Hall said it is a slower start to the flu season for sure, especially compared to last year’s record breaker, but the virus is out there.
“People are hearing hepatitis A and not think, ‘oh, I need to be prepared for the flu as well’,” said Hall.
Hall said it is important to protect yourself from both.
“So much of what you can do for hepatitis A also transfers for what you can do for the flu, or a cold, or a lot of these illnesses that are common during the winter,” said Hall.
You can protect yourself by washing your hands frequently, staying at home if you feel sick, and get vaccinated.
Hall said that five people have died from the flu this season in Kentucky. One was in Fayette County and one was a person under the age of 18. The Commonwealth remains a widespread flu status, which is the highest level of flu activity categorized by the state.
