The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has reported high levels of flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the county. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 43 states have experienced high or very high levels of flu, including Nebraska.
The health department’s data shows that flu positivity rates are increasing, with a 29.5% rate reported for the week ending February 1. This is higher than the previous week’s rate of 27.5%. Positive flu tests in January 2025 have also surpassed previous years, with 918 cases reported.
RSV positivity rates are rising as well, with a 15.6% rate reported for the same week. Wastewater testing has shown an increase in viral particles detected for both flu and RSV. Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases are circulating in the community, but at lower levels than flu and RSV, with 57 cases reported.
Health Director Kerry Kernen warns that there is a lot of flu and RSV around this season and advises people to take everyday preventive actions, including getting vaccinated, staying home when sick, washing hands often, and wearing masks if symptoms appear. The health department also recommends taking a COVID-19 test if necessary.
Residents can find information on vaccine locations and schedules at vaccines.gov. At-home COVID-19 test kits are available at the Health Department’s main lobby during business hours and at all Lincoln City Library locations. For more information, visit the Health Department’s website, which features recent enhancements to the Respiratory Illness Dashboard, including wastewater surveillance data and school absenteeism tracking.
Source: https://www.1011now.com/2025/02/12/health-department-reports-high-levels-flu-rsv-lancaster-county