Baptist Health Paducah encourages community to get flu shot amid rising cases

PADUCAH, KY (Dec. 16, 2025) — As flu activity increases, Baptist Health Paducah encourages the community to protect themselves and their families by getting their yearly flu shot. According to the CDC, flu-related hospitalizations and illnesses are climbing, with over 1.1 million illnesses reported accounting for 11,000 hospitalizations and 450 deaths so far this flu season.

Epidemiologists and pathologists forecast how fast the flu will spread in the United States by observing flu activity in the southern hemisphere’s winter. This year, Australia had its worst flu outbreak in its history. This year’s dominant strain in the US, H3N2 includes a new variant that spreads more easily, making vaccination especially important.

“Nobody wants the flu, especially not during the holidays,” said Dr. Teri Stapleton, Baptist Health Medical Group Primary Care. “To help reduce your chance of infection, be sure to wash your hands and get your flu vaccine.“

While the flu shot may not prevent every infection, it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Researchers at the U.K. Health Security Agency found this year's vaccine was 70–75% effective at preventing hospitalization from the flu in children and teens and 30–40% effective in adults.

With flu activity on the rise, Stapleton recommends getting a flu shot now for the best protection.

Baptist Health Paducah offers convenient flu shot appointments for all ages, schedule your flu shot by calling 270.575.1010.