Cases of flu are on the rise in Kentucky following the state's first pediatric influenza death this season.

Our Christine spoke to a pediatric infectious disease physician about how this flu season compares to previous years.

More about this and tonight's medical news.

Doctor Chris Bryant from Norton Children's.

We have heard a lot in the news about a surge in flu cases.

What are you seeing there and how does this flu season compared to last year or a previous year?

Flu cases are increasing across the country and we're seeing a lot of flu here locally.

Last week, within Norton Healthcare, we had 779 adults test positive for flu and 674 children.

It's too early to tell if this is going to be a severe flu season as last year's was.

But there are some early indicators that this season could be rough.

We are seeing a lot of, influenza a H3n2 circulating, and this year's strain is a mutated strain that's not well matched to the vaccine.

In other countries where this subclass K has circulated, there have been a very high number of cases.

The other thing that that could point to this being a rough flu season is that, less than half of adults and children have had a flu shot and are unprotected against circulating strains.

And where does Kentucky fall in those statistics for getting a flu shot?

Well, I can tell you the latest data for Jefferson County are about 28%.

Okay.

So even lower, for that.

And let's talk about getting the flu shot.

Who, needs to get a flu shot and who's most at risk?

An annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older.

And I want to emphasize that just because we have this mutated strain doesn't mean that the flu vaccine won't work.

It still protects against severe outcomes.

I've seen it.

Grocery stores, drugstores at flu test, a flu and Covid tests that you can give yourself at home.

It's over the counter.

Are these reliable?

And, is it are they handy to have, at on hand?

I do think they're handy to have on hand.

You know, Christi, a flu is a virus, and a lot of viruses have to run their course.

But but flu or influenza is a virus for which we have medications that can help if they're started early.

Particularly within the first 48 hours of illness.

Treatment is especially important for people who are at higher risk for complications.

Young children, especially those under five or older people and people with underlying conditions.

And so a test, can help, you know, if you have flu, that and maybe you'll qualify for a medication.

Okay.

So if you find out soon enough that you have the flu, like maybe with a home test or going to the doctor, there's treatment.

What exactly is the treatment?

So there are, a couple of oral medications, that can be given, and they're most effective if they're started early.

Okay.

And that what does it do?

It kills the virus.

It reduces the virus.

How fast do you get better?

Well, it it it really depends on the person and how soon it started.

But these medications can help people feel better, faster.

And if you're a person that, is at risk for severe flu, they may help you, from progressing to severe flu.

Okay, that is good to know.

Doctor Bryant, thank you so much for your time today.

Thank you.