UPDATE: Number of lab-confirmed flu cases doubles in a week

Reported numbers only a part of cases actually in the community, vaccine recommended

December 15, 2021

Erica Bivens,

UPDATE POSTED 8:30 A.M. DEC. 15, 2021

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Lexington’s lab-confirmed flu cases more than doubled in the past week, with 35 cases now confirmed in the county compared to 17 seven days ago, according to the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department.

A flu shot for ages 6 months and older is the best way to protect from flu and its potentially serious complications. Get a free flu shot by same-day appointment every Monday, Wednesday or Friday in the Health Department’s Public Health Clinic, 650 Newtown Pike, by calling 859-288-2483.

Lab-confirmed cases only reflect a small percentage of flu cases actually in Lexington. Many providers use rapid testing, which is not required to be reported to state/local health departments. The department notes it is aware of people testing positive for the flu virus in their provider’s offices through rapid testing, and the flu will continue to spread throughout the winter.

ORIGINAL STORY POSTED DEC. 8, 2021

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – There are now 17 lab-confirmed flu cases in Lexington, according to the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department. That’s up from 3 cases last week.

The health department is encouraging people to get vaccinated during National Influenza Vaccination week, “At LFCHD, we not only give the flu shot, we make sure we GET the flu shot!”

“Please remember that lab-confirmed cases only reflect a small percentage of flu cases actually in Lexington. Many providers use rapid testing, which is not required to be reported to your state/local health departments,” said the health department in a post on social media. “We are aware of people in our community testing positive for the flu virus in their provider’s offices through rapid testing, and the flu will continue to spread throughout the winter.”

According to the department, flu shots are available by same-day appointment on Monday, Wednesday and Friday by calling 859-288-2483 to schedule an appointment.