LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska health officials say they are seeing more cases of the flu across the state in the past two weeks.
The Lincoln Journal Star reports that cases of influenza are now considered widespread in Nebraska.
State epidemiologist Dr. Thomas Safranek says the flu season appears to be hitting its peak sooner than usual this year.
Safranek says holiday gatherings can help transmit diseases like the flu, so everyone should be sure to wash their hands and avoid touching their face. If possible, avoid being around sick people.
Experts do still recommend that most people get a flu shot to help build immunity and reduce the severity of the illness.
But it takes about two weeks after the shot to build immunity, so getting immunized sooner would be better.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Wanted felon arrested in Hiawatha
St. Joseph teacher arrested for student sex crimes
Revised flood predictions along the MO River
Valuation change notices coming soon for Nebraska residents
Lancaster shooting, threats, land man in jail
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Ozawkie man facing multiple child sex charges
Public health advisory issued for local lake
Case dismissed in charity fraud allegations
Holton woman killed in Jackson Co car-deer accident
Sabetha man arrested on drug charges
4th candidate files for local KS House seat
KHP pursuit ends in Jackson Co
Atchison Police probe car wash thefts
Three injured in Thursday Jeff Co collision
Jeff Co North USD 339 bond issue defeated
Atchison's Amelia fireworks voted 3rd in nation
Atchison Co's Laurie seeks another term as Sheriff
LATEST STORIES
Holton woman killed in Jackson Co car-deer accident
Atchison Co vets to honor comrades Monday
Richardson County Board receives organization updates
Only minor flooding continues along Missouri River
Three injured in Thursday Jeff Co collision
Atchison Police probe car wash thefts
KS DCF provides dollars for youth lunch