Last season, southern and western parts of the Louisville area were hit hardest by the flu. Getting your flu shot now provides a layer of protection into March.

Published: October 27, 2020

Parts of southern and western Louisville were hit particularly hard by the flu last season, according to diagnoses and testing by Norton Healthcare providers — suggesting people in these areas should be especially mindful of getting a flu shot soon.

Areas from Portland, south to Shively and Okolona, recorded the highest concentrations of flu cases through all of last season.

The flu vaccine and good hygiene are the best tools we have to fight the spread of flu. Your body takes about two weeks to build up antibodies to the flu, and protection generally lasts about six months.

Because the flu virus mutates from the time the predominant strains are identified earlier in the year, the vaccine is about 40% to 60% effective most years. Getting the shot by mid-October helps protect you as the peak of the season starts in late November and runs into March.

Flu prevention tips

• Avoid being face to face with a sick person. If possible, spend as little time as possible in close contact with a sick person.
• When holding sick children, place their chin on your shoulder so they will not cough in your face.
• Wash your hands often, as soon as you’ve had contact with a sick person and after handling their tissues or laundry.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

More flu news

• Get a flu shot for protection through the season
• 5 things to do if you have a fever
• When is the flu an emergency?
• Coronavirus or flu? Each has some similar symptoms, but there are key differences

Louisville-area flu cases diagnosed by Norton Healthcare providers last season

Cases per 1,000 adults by home ZIP 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