21 Confirmed Flu Cases In Fayette County

21 Confirmed Flu Cases In Fayette County

Health officials say in a typical year the flu season's peak comes in early February, but it's here already
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Health officials say in a normal year the flu season wouldn't reach its peak for a few more weeks, but they say it's here early. 

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department says the best defense against the virus is to get a flu shot, and that's what many are doing.

"I didn't want my family to get sick.  I don't want to be sick.  I haven't had a flu in I don't know how many years, and I want to keep it up, getting my flu shots to make sure I don't get it," said Tess Hart, in Lexington.

With 21 confirmed cases, health officials assume many more have the flu.

"It's hitting, and it's hitting pretty hard.  You hear a lot of anecdotal evidence, a lot of, go on any social media site, and you're seeing people, parents, reporting about their kids having the flu," said Kevin Hall, Lexington-Fayette County Health Department.

To stay healthy, Hall recommends washing hands with soap and water, covering your mouth, staying hydrated, and isolating sick children. 

"Stay home when you're sick, if you're showing those symptoms, the headache, the body aches, the fever, particularly the high fever.  You want to stay home, and generally the rule of thumb is to stay home 24 hours after the last symptom," said Hall.

Hall says while it could be an above average flu season, he doesn't want to induce panic.  He says people can still get flu shots, and there are plenty available.
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