LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Flu cases are rising in Kentucky and now the state has reached "regional outbreak" status.
It's not even peak flu season yet, so health officials are saying it's especially important to take steps to avoid getting sick.
Counties across the state are recording increased numbers of flu cases. In Fayette County, there hasn't been a similar spike...yet. There have been 13 confirmed flu cases in the county so far. Kevin Hall, with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department says the peace isn't expected to last too long, especially with the holidays approaching.
"People will start coming into Lexington. They're hitting the mall, they're hitting our stores, our theaters. The flu will spread. It's coming in from other places and it will hit Lexington. If not now, it will be later this week, next week, sometime it's going to hit," Hall explained to LEX 18.
Hall is urging people who haven't gotten the flu vaccine yet to take the precaution. And beyond the shot, proper handwashing can also help prevent the spread of the virus.
"Wash your hands frequently. If you're handling something, make sure that you wash your hands afterward. It's pretty common to touch something and then you have your hands around your mouth, around your face. That's just not great around the flu season," said Hall.
Peak flu season season in Kentucky is late January going into February.
