The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is reporting upticks in cases of both the flu and COVID-19 in the city as respiratory illness season begins.
The department has counted 227 confirmed flu cases as of Monday. Last week marked three straight weeks with 40 or more new cases, with nearly 87 percent of those diagnosed not having gotten this season’s flu shot.
The last two weeks have also seen 720 new COVID-19 cases in the county, the highest two-week total since Feb. 5 through 18.
Kevin Hall, a spokesperson from the health department, says it’s important to stay up to date on both shots.
“This is a completely new COVID shot, just like you get the flu shot each year,” Hall said. “Same thing now with COVID. So if you've not received those, the flu or the COVID (shot), now's the time to do it, particularly as we're heading into these December holidays.”
Appointments for getting seasonal shots can be made by anyone with insurance. Those without insurance can make appointments through the health department’s Public Health Clinic Monday through Thursday by calling 859-288-2483.
Other information about the vaccines is availableonline through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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