As both strains of the flu continue to spread rapidly across central Kentucky, doctors at the University of Kentucky are urging residents to take precautions, citing a rise in hospitalizations across all three UK HealthCare facilities.
“It’s not a record number, and they’ve started to come down slightly over the past week,” said Dr. Nicholas Van Sickels with UK. “But with kids returning to school, people going back to work, and travel during the holidays, we’re keeping a close eye on where things go from here.”
Dr. Van Sickels encouraged people to monitor symptoms carefully before heading to the hospital. Warning signs that warrant medical attention include trouble breathing, being unable to eat or stay hydrated, or difficulty getting out of bed.
“If you’re experiencing those symptoms, please come in and see us,” he said.
Despite how severe the flu season has been so far, doctors believe the peak may still be ahead.
“We’re preparing for the next four to five weeks when we expect to reach peak flu activity,” said Dr. Lindsay Ragsdale, a pediatrician with the UK College of Medicine.
Both physicians emphasized the same prevention strategies: frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick, and getting vaccinated. They also stressed that it’s not too late in the season to benefit from a flu shot.
“If you got your flu shot today, you’d have some protection within two to three days,” Dr. Ragsdale said.
Dr. Van Sickels addressed concerns about whether the vaccine matches the strains currently circulating.
“Even in years when the vaccine match isn’t perfect, it has saved millions of lives worldwide,” he said. “Getting the flu shot is incredibly important to prevent serious illness and death from the flu. It’s very safe.”
While UK HealthCare is not currently overwhelmed by patient volume, doctors say prevention remains the best approach.
“From a pediatric standpoint, preventing infection is far better than trying to treat a child after they’re already sick,” Dr. Ragsdale said.
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