Kentucky Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack says COVID activity across the Commonwealth waxes and wanes throughout the year. So, the fall and winter seasons don’t necessarily mean an uptick in cases. In fact, Stack said coronavirus disease has been trending down some after a summer increase. Still, he said keeping up with COVID boosters is important. Stack said the vaccine is refined with each distribution. “Even if it’s not a perfect match it’s still awakening your immune system. It’s still prompting it to build up additional anti-bodies and for at least a six-month period you have enhanced protection,” said Stack. Dr. Stack describes the respiratory environment right now kind of in a quiet phase. In addition to some decline in COVID cases, seasonal influenza and RSV diseases have not picked up in a big way yet. And while the flu shot might be only 35% effective in keeping people out of hospitals, Stack said that’s enormous considering the thousands that could become sick. Over the last four and a half years COVID has changed and carried, generally, less of a health impact. Stack said that’s not necessarily going to be the path going forward. “Unfortunately there’s always the risk that COVID could mutate and become a more difficult disease. There’s also the risk that new diseases we don’t even know about yet or that don’t exist can emerge,” said Stack. Stack said there are other diseases globally, some carried by mosquitoes, that are causing concern as well. And the public health commissioner said with travel comes the risk of global transmission. ** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation. The post Kentucky health commissioner says COVID cases down a bit, but vaccination still a priority this fall appeared first on The Lexington Times.