Lexington, Kentucky, January 17, 2026
Local schools in Lexington, Kentucky are facing increased absenteeism as the area grapples with a surge in flu cases. The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department reported 286 lab-confirmed flu cases in just one week, which is the highest count this season. Various school districts, including Jessamine, Madison, and Fayette County schools, have noted significant drops in attendance, with health officials urging hygiene practices and advising sick students to stay home to limit spread.
Lexington, Kentucky Schools Face Increased Absenteeism Amid Flu Surge
Lexington, Kentucky – Local schools are experiencing a significant rise in student absences due to a surge in flu cases. The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department reported 286 lab-confirmed flu cases in just one week, marking the highest total this season.
Impact on School Attendance
The flu outbreak has led to notable absenteeism across various school districts:
- Jessamine County Schools: Reported approximately 87% attendance on Monday, attributing the decline primarily to illness-related absences.
- Madison County Schools: Observed lower attendance in certain schools, though most numbers aligned with typical expectations for this time of year.
- Fayette County Schools: Recorded around 82% attendance on Monday, with the exact causes of absences yet to be determined.
These figures highlight the widespread impact of the flu on student attendance in the region.
Health Recommendations
Health officials advise the following measures to mitigate the spread of the flu:
- Stay Home When Sick: Students exhibiting flu symptoms should remain at home to prevent further transmission.
- Rest and Hydration: Ensure adequate rest and fluid intake for those affected.
- Hygiene Practices: Regular handwashing and the use of masks can help reduce the spread of the virus.
These recommendations aim to protect both students and staff during the flu season.
Background on Flu Trends in Kentucky
Historically, Kentucky has faced challenges with flu-related absenteeism. In the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 school years, about 17% of students were chronically absent. However, during the 2022-2023 school year, this number increased to 30%, indicating a significant rise in absenteeism. The current flu surge exacerbates these existing challenges, emphasizing the need for effective health measures and community cooperation to maintain student attendance and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current flu situation in Lexington, Kentucky?
- The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department reported 286 lab-confirmed flu cases in just one week, marking the highest total this season.
- How has the flu outbreak affected school attendance?
- Various school districts have reported significant absenteeism due to the flu, with Jessamine County Schools noting approximately 87% attendance on Monday, primarily due to illness-related absences.
- What health measures are recommended to combat the flu?
- Health officials advise students exhibiting flu symptoms to stay home, ensure adequate rest and hydration, and practice regular handwashing and mask usage to reduce the spread of the virus.
- How does the current flu surge compare to historical absenteeism trends in Kentucky?
- Historically, Kentucky has faced challenges with flu-related absenteeism, with chronic absenteeism increasing from 17% in the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 school years to 30% in the 2022-2023 school year, indicating a significant rise in absenteeism.
| School District | Reported Attendance | Absenteeism Cause | Health Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jessamine County Schools | Approximately 87% on Monday | Illness-related absences | Stay home when sick, rest, hydrate, practice good hygiene |
| Madison County Schools | Lower attendance in certain schools | Illness-related absences | Stay home when sick, rest, hydrate, practice good hygiene |
| Fayette County Schools | Around 82% on Monday | Illness-related absences | Stay home when sick, rest, hydrate, practice good hygiene |
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Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
