Flu cases remain about the same as last week in Kentucky

Dept. for Public Health graph shows flu cases peaked in December. Flu season runs through May.

Influenza activity in Kentucky appears to have leveled off, with the latest weekly report showing about the same number of confirmed cases as last and few counties heavily affected. 

The state Department for Public Health says that in the week ended Feb. 12, it counted only 85 flu cases, down from 88 the previous week and 96 the week before that. The state has recorded 2,661 cases this season and has no flu-related deaths.

The state's flu level is "regional," which applies when increases in flu cases have been confirmed in at least two, but fewer than half, of the state's 16 regions. Flu season usually peaks between December and March, but can run through May.

Flu cases could actually be higher since the state report only records those that have been laboratory confirmed, and not those confirmed by a rapid test. 

As long as there is any flu activity, health officials recommend getting a flu shot. 

"An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against flu and its potentially serious complications. CDC continues to recommend that everyone ages 6 months and older get a flu vaccine as long as flu activity continues," says the national flu report, which says flu activity is sporadic across the country, but is increasing in some states.

Most cases have been in those between the ages of 1 and 30 in Kentucky, with the highest number among those 11-20.