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Flu season making a late comeback in Lexington this year

LFUCG Health Department

Flu season is hitting unusually late in Lexington, consistent with trends seen elsewhere in the country.

Flu season typically peaks in late January or early February in Kentucky, but local health officials say the illness is making the rounds later than expected — with at least 32 lab-confirmed cases in the last week, a fraction of the full number of cases likely out there.

The Fayette County Health Department and the CDC say there is still time to get some benefit out of a flu vaccination, even if you're only now receiving it. While the CDC also acknowledges this season's flu vaccines don't appear to offer much in the way of protection against the risk of mild to moderate illness, it adds that vaccination could still protect against more serious outcomes.

As for why the flu is showing a late resurgence, some health officials suspect the loosening of COVID-19 mitigation measures could be contributing. A Healthline report also points to mutations that may have occurred since the flu vaccine was developed.

Free flu shots are available by same-day appointment on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at the public health clinic on Newtown Pike.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.