Lancaster County is starting off 2025 with high levels of flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to data released by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) today.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting 43-states have reported high or very high levels of flu including Nebraska. according to the
Data shows that flu continues to increase with a positivity rate of 29.5% for week ending February 1 compared to 27.5% the previous week. Positive tests for flu in January 2025 were notably higher compared to the same time in previous years. Below is a graph of the positive flu totals over the past eight years:
RSV is also rising with a positivity rate of 15.6% for week ending February 1, which is an increase from 13.9% the week prior. Wastewater testing shows an increase in viral particles detected for both flu and RSV.
COVID-19 is circulating in the community but not at the same levels as flu and RSV. There were 57 cases of COVID-19 for week ending February 1, down from 67 the previous week.
“There’s a lot of flu and RSV out there this season according to our surveillance systems and that may continue for the next several weeks,” said Kerry Kernen, Health Director. “We urge people to take everyday preventive actions that protect against respiratory illnesses.”
Preventive actions include the following:
- Get vaccinated. It’s not too late.
- Stay home if you’re sick and avoid contact with others who are sick.
- Wash hands often.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Wear a mask if you have cold, flu or COVID-like symptoms.
- Take a COVID-19 test if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID or if you’re attending a gathering or event.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces.
Flu vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older. Updated COVID-19 vaccine for this winter is also recommended for everyone age 6 months and older and is especially important for people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 including older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
RSV vaccine is recommended for adults age 75 and older and adults 60 to 74 at increased risk of severe illness from RSV. There’s also an RSV antibody injection for children 19 months and younger. Visit vaccines.gov to find flu and COVID-19 vaccine near you. Talk to your health care provider about whether RSV vaccine is right for you.
At-home COVID-19 test kits remain available in the main lobby of the Health Department during regular business hours. Test kits are also available at all Lincoln City Library locations.
Additional respiratory illness season resources are available at lincoln.ne.gov/health by selecting the “Respiratory Illness Season” button.