Health department confirms first flu-related death this season in Lexington

A person older than 50 with underlying health issues has died from the flu, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department announced Thursday.

The person, whose identity has not been released because of medical privacy laws, is the first to die in Lexington because of the flu this season. The deceased individual had not received the flu shot, said Kevin Hall, the health department’s communications officer.

The health department said Tuesday that there have been 141 flu cases this season, and the virus hit the area particularly hard last week. In Kentucky, at least nine people, including one juvenile, have died.

Kentucky has had widespread flu activity since December with more than 6,000 confirmed cases.

Peak flu season is not until late January or early February, so the health department has urged residents to get vaccinated.

The flu shot is available at the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department on Newtown Pike from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Appointments are not necessary, but people are advised to call because the price varies depending on insurance.

This story was originally published January 9, 2020 at 9:46 AM.