The hysteria created by H1N1 a few months ago seems like a faded memory.

While the illness that had many rushing to get surgical masks, hand sanitizer, and vaccination isn't as prevalent right now, officials say just wait a few more weeks.

The good news is, despite widespread activity, the number of H1N1 cases in Kentucky is dropping.

"We have seen activity decrease from the peak of about a month ago. But we're still seeing a lot of activity around the state," says State Epidemiologist, Dr. Kraig Humbaugh.

That's probably why you haven't heard much about people coming down with it as much recently.

Now for the bad news...

We may see those numbers shoot back up after the new year.

"There is a concern, however, that at some point we may see another wave which is what pandemics tend to do," adds Dr. Humbaugh.

Dr. Humbaugh says don't be surprised if large numbers of people come down with the virus again after the holiday season.

He says it could be like the massive outbreak earlier this fall when children started back to school and from there the flu took off.

One bright point, Dr.Humbaugh says may curb another possible spread is the fact that the vaccine is out there and people are already receiving it.

So he encourages those who haven't been vaccinated to go ahead and get it done.

"If we can get more people vaccinated, then its a possibility we could either blunt or lessen the impact of additional waves we might see," notes Dr. Humbaugh.

Dr. Humbaugh says people need to remember that this flu has killed 36 Kentuckians and 10,000 Americans in all.

So he says people still need to be vigilant even through this lull.

"We're concerned that people may become complacent and we don't want that to happen. We want folks to take it seriously, because we do."

In addition, the Kentucky Department for Public Health is conducting an online survey through December 19th about the H1N1 vaccine.

If you would like to take the survey, click here: http://healthalerts.ky.gov

Also, the Barren River District Health Department will be holding clinics in 8 counties Saturday, December 12th.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-877-332-H1N1