Respiratory illnesses like COVID, the flu and RSV are on the rise in Lexington. Lexington-Fayette County Health Department spokesman Kevin Hall said the flu is a particular concern. “After those holidays and the start of the year, we had 204 confirmed cases of the flu and 222 confirmed cases of flu. And if you want a point of comparison, we had 188 total in the five weeks prior.” Hall said COVID and RSV cases have jumped, too, and attributes the spikes to a post-pandemic lowering of the guard. “People have gotten maybe a little bit too relaxed. They are not staying home when they’re sick. They’re not washing their hands as frequently. They’re not paying attention to their surroundings, and I’m going to use that M word – they’re not masking up.” Hall said vaccinations for the flu, COVID and RSV are safe and effective. He notes that RSV can be life-threatening for small children. ** 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 Health officials say respiratory illnesses up in Lexington appeared first on The Lexington Times.