‘Vaccine hesitancy’ could be cause of Lincoln’s jump in flu cases, doctor says

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Flu cases are on the rise, according to the latest report from Lancaster County health officials.

In January 2025, there were 918 reported cases — more than double last January and the most since at least 2017.

Dr. John Trapp with Bryan Health said some people are hesitant to get the flu shot.

“Some years are more than other years, and this year is a little higher,” he said. “There could be a number of different contributing factors. There’s been a fair amount of vaccine hesitancy. People have become fatigued from getting vaccines, and this year may be more of a factor than others.”

Trapp said one of the misperceptions of influenza is the severity of the illness. People don’t take it seriously enough.

“In some cases, it can result in hospitalizations,” he said. “And in others, it can result in death.”

He doesn’t know if Lincoln will continue to see a rise but said there are still ways to stop the spread, including by making sure you get tested if you experience any symptoms.

“It’s helpful to know that you’ve likely been exposed to other people in your circle,” Trapp said.

Health officials are also dealing with a rise in RSV cases, but COVID-19 is actually on the decline locally.

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