Respiratory Illnesses Surge in Lexington, KY

Community vaccination clinic in Lexington, KY

Article Sponsored by:

SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORS!

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:

Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence

Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?

Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:

May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf

Click the button below to sponsor our articles:

Sponsor Our Articles

News Summary

As winter sets in, Lexington faces a surge in respiratory illnesses, including 168 confirmed flu cases and 51 lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in mid-January. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccinations, offering free flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines to qualifying individuals. Kentucky sees a heightened concern over respiratory viruses, and pediatric hospitals are grappling with increased patient admissions. Preventive measures against illnesses, including norovirus, are urged as the community works to stay healthy during this challenging season.

Respiratory Illnesses Surge in Lexington, KY

Hey there, Lexington! It seems like the chilly winter months have brought along some unwelcome guests: respiratory illnesses. Health officials are raising the alarm as they report that during the week of January 18th, there were a staggering 168 confirmed flu cases in our city. But that’s not all—51 lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases popped up in the same week, making this a particularly busy time for our healthcare providers.

What’s Happening in Our Community

The numbers are definitely concerning, and the ongoing spread of these illnesses is something to keep an eye on. Remember, these figures don’t account for the results from those at-home COVID-19 test kits many of us are using these days, so the numbers could actually be higher!

To help combat these respiratory threats, the Fayette County Health Department is offering free flu shots at their public health clinic located on Newtown Pike. This is a great opportunity for those who might still need to get vaccinated against the flu this season!

What’s more, they are also providing limited doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for those who qualify, including uninsured and underinsured folks, as well as children who have Medicaid. If you’re looking to schedule an appointment for vaccinations, you can call the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department at 859-288-2483. It’s really that easy!

Statewide Concern

Adding to the mix is the presence of norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug that’s been making its rounds. This nasty little virus is particularly resilient, not giving in to regular alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and can spread easily on contaminated surfaces. Common symptoms to watch out for include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. If you’re infected, keep in mind you can remain contagious for at least two weeks after your symptoms have disappeared, so staying vigilant is crucial!

Children’s Health in Focus

Kiddo health is also a top priority at Kentucky Children’s Hospital, where pediatricians are seeing a noticeable increase in patients suffering from flu and RSV. They have been admitting between 10 to 20 patients daily with these illnesses, which is certainly a sign that our little ones are feeling the effects of this seasonal spike.

When it comes to emergency department visits for acute respiratory illnesses, we saw a peak in late December with around 10,413 visits. However, for the week ending January 11th, that number decreased to 5,716, making up 19% of all visits. It’s comforting to see a downward trend, but everyone should stay on guard!

Prevention is Key

The CDC recommends some straightforward measures to help prevent norovirus infection. Make sure you’re washing your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, and don’t forget to disinfect contaminated surfaces using bleach solutions. Also, ensure that you’re handling any soiled laundry with a bit of caution. These are simple, yet effective steps to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

As we look ahead, health leaders in southern Kentucky are bracing for a potential rise in respiratory illnesses following the holiday season. Thankfully, with vaccines available for flu, COVID-19, and RSV, health officials are optimistic about keeping our community protected and do not anticipate any shortages in vaccination supplies.

Stay Safe, Lexington!

As we navigate through these challenging times, it’s essential that everyone stays informed and takes the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families. Let’s work together to curb these respiratory illnesses and keep our wonderful city healthy!