LLCHD Shares Tips to Prevent Respiratory Illness During Holidays

Published on December 04, 2025

Flu Vaccination Week Runs Through December 5

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) today reported that flu activity is slightly increasing in the county. During the holidays, when people spend more time with others indoors, flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses can spread more easily.

“No one wants to miss celebrating the holidays with friends and family because they’re sick. Staying up to date on vaccines and taking some simple precautions can help make for a healthier holiday season and New Year,” said Kerry Kernen, Health Director.

LLCHD encouraged residents to follow these tips:

• Get vaccinated. It’s not too late.
• Stay home if you’re sick.
• 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 test if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID or if you’re attending a holiday gathering or event.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces.
• Track the level of respiratory illness locally with the Respiratory Illness Dashboard available at lincoln.ne.gov/health. Click on respiratory illness season. The dashboard provides a detailed snapshot of disease trends in the community.

LLCHD provides flu and COVID-19 vaccine at no cost or low cost to children ages 6 months through 18 years who meet one or more of these criteria:

• Have Medicaid coverage
• Uninsured
• American Indian and/or Alaska Native
• Underinsured

For more information, call 402-441-8065 or visit lincoln.ne.gov/health (select “Vaccine Clinic” under “Community Health Services”).

December 1 through 5 is National Influenza Vaccination Week, which emphasizes the importance of yearly flu vaccine. Flu viruses are constantly changing and protection from vaccination decreases over time. Getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to help prevent flu.