Flu rates surging in Ky. and across the US: How to avoid serious illness
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 11, 2025) — Influenza rates are high across the country and continue to rise, according to the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This level of influenza has not been seen for nearly 15 years, and Kentucky is feeling the impact.
At UK HealthCare, influenza-related hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions are at an all-time high. With these extreme rates, an awareness, prevention and protection against the disease are key. Below are some common questions and answers from experts with UK HealthCare Infection Prevention and Control on how to stay safe at work or school and at home.
What type of influenza is causing the surge right now?
Influenza is divided into two types: flu A and flu B, with flu A being further divided based on certain protein markers on its surface. Flu A is found in humans as well as animals like birds and pigs, and it mutates more easily – meaning it can also spread much faster. Flu B is only found in humans, so it doesn’t mutate as easily or spread as quickly.
This year’s flu A viruses, H1N1 and H3N2, are causing the current increase in health care visits.
I’ve heard of H1N1 and H3N2 before. Why are they causing such high rates of illness this year?
We do not know the full reason for the surge this year, but likely the combination of viral mutations and lower vaccination rates are contributing to the increase.
How does flu spread?
Most commonly, flu spreads through close person-to-person contact with someone infected with the flu, especially if they are coughing or sneezing. It can also be transmitted by touching an object someone with the flu has touched, and then touching your face. By touching your face after exposure, the flu virus can enter your body through the eyes, nose or mouth and then move into your throat and lungs.
Flu is so common — just how serious is it?
Although the majority of people who get the flu will make a full recovery, it is still a dangerous disease for many people and can even lead to death. In 2024, the CDC estimated around 28,000 deaths due to flu. So far this year, the CDC has estimated roughly 13,000 deaths from flu – and with flu rates still on the rise, those numbers are expected to increase substantially.
If the flu itself becomes very severe, the body’s inflammatory response to the disease can cause serious health problems such as myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), muscle tissue inflammation like myositis or rhabdomyolysis, or even organ failure.
Some people experience further respiratory complications after having the flu, including secondary infections like viral or bacterial pneumonia. Sepsis, a life-threatening overreaction of the immune system, can also occur following a viral infection like the flu.
Adults most at risk for developing these more severe illnesses from a flu infection include people age 65 and older, people of any age who have a chronic medical condition like heart disease, asthma or diabetes, and pregnant women.
What about children who get the flu?
Yes, flu can be dangerous for children. Of the flu deaths reported to the CDC so far this year, 57 were children. Those under the age of 5, and especially those younger than 2, are at risk of developing potentially serious flu-related complications. Children with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes are at even higher risk. However, flu-like complications like bacterial pneumonia are possible in otherwise healthy children.
How can I keep from getting sick?
The best ways to avoid contracting the flu are:
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Wash your hands regularly, using either soap and water for 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (allow it to dry completely before performing tasks or eating).
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If you have not done so yet, get a flu shot – it’s not too late! Flu shots are recommended for most people aged six months and older.
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In large group settings or when working with patients or other immunocompromised populations, wearing a mask can help protect you from contracting the flu, or from spreading it to others.
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Regularly sanitize surfaces in your home or work environment that come in frequent contact with people using soap or other disinfecting products designed to kill cold and flu viruses (such as Clorox or Lysol wipes).
How can I protect my child from the flu?
Vaccination is the best way to protect your child from influenza. Because this flu season is far from over, it's not too late for your child to be vaccinated. Influenza vaccination rates have been dropping in recent years, and according to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, less than 17% of Kentucky children have been vaccinated against the flu this season.
Children six months and older are recommended to get the flu vaccine annually. The vaccine may prevent your child from getting the flu or lower the possibility of flu-related hospitalization or death. A Kentucky child, who did not receive the vaccine, has already died this flu season, the state announced last week.
How do I know if I have the flu?
Typically, people with the flu have a relatively quick onset of symptoms, with fevers, chills, aches, cough and nasal symptoms like stuffiness or runny noses. Sometimes, people can have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea as well.
Over-the-counter tests are readily available at local pharmacies for COVID and influenza, and they are a good way to get a diagnosis without leaving your house – you can get results in as little as 15 minutes.
If you do not have an over-the-counter test at home, call your doctor’s office or check-in with local pharmacies, including UK Pharmacy Services, to see about testing and treatment.
While a trip to urgent care or your doctor’s office is generally recommended if you think you have the flu, seek out emergency care if you or a loved one experience any of these severe symptoms:
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Shortness of breath or a bluish tint to skin or lips
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Inability to think clearly; confusion
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Significant dehydration (either from inability to eat/drink or from vomiting/diarrhea)
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Sudden dizziness or frequent dizzy spells
What are the treatments for flu? Is there a shortage of Tamiflu®?
There are treatments for flu. Treatment works best when given early in the course of illness, and is most prescribed for those at risk for severe complications from flu (people over 65 years of age, those with several medical illnesses, younger children).
At UK, we typically use oseltamivir (name brand Tamiflu®) or baloxavir (name brand Xofluza®). These are antivirals that can help reduce symptoms or shorten the length of time you experience symptoms. To be effective, they must be taken within 48 hours of developing symptoms and are available through prescription only.
Right now Tamiflu® is on shortage due to demand. Pharmacies still have Xofluza® in stock, though stock may be limited depending on your location.
I’ve already had the flu. I’m good, right?
Unfortunately, no! You can contract flu twice in the same season. Most often, this happens when someone gets flu A earlier in the season and then flu B later on (flu B infections peak later than flu A infections). Additionally, because flu A mutates so quickly, it is possible to come down with another variant of flu A later in the season.
If you had one type of flu and did not get a vaccination, it is still recommended to receive the vaccine – the vaccines are designed to help your body fight off multiple strains of flu A and B.
When will this flu season end?
Right now, we are not sure. Most years, flu activity peaks between December and February and trails off through March and April; but so far this year flu numbers are still rising. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, working with our local, state and national public health partners.
UK HealthCare is the hospitals and clinics of the University of Kentucky. But it is so much more. It is more than 10,000 dedicated health care professionals committed to providing advanced subspecialty care for the most critically injured and ill patients from the Commonwealth and beyond. It also is the home of the state’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that cares for the tiniest and sickest newborns, the region’s only Level 1 trauma center and Kentucky’s top hospital ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
As an academic research institution, we are continuously pursuing the next generation of cures, treatments, protocols and policies. Our discoveries have the potential to change what’s medically possible within our lifetimes. Our educators and thought leaders are transforming the health care landscape as our six health professions colleges teach the next generation of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals, spreading the highest standards of care. UK HealthCare is the power of advanced medicine committed to creating a healthier Kentucky, now and for generations to come.