Protect Yourself from Respiratory Viruses

Every year, respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cause illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths during the fall and winter virus season.

Many respiratory viruses share common symptoms, like coughing, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, fever, and chills. Other symptoms include fatigue (tiredness), decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and muscle or body aches. Sever infections can lead to serious lung infections, such as pneumonia.

What do I do if I have a respiratory virus?

  • The CDC recommends you stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both your symptoms are getting better, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medications). After that time, you can resume normal activities, but should use added precautions (wearing a mask, staying away from those at severe risk for illness, etc.) for another 5 days.

How do I protect myself from a respiratory virus?

  • Other prevention methods include washing your hands and staying home when you are sick.

Influenza Report for Week Ending December 14

Nationally, influenza activity continues to increase. Influenza cases have been reported in Sedgwick County. The percentage of influenza-like illness (ILI) visits to selected outpatient clinics was at 4.6% (Sedgwick County).

Influenza (also known as “flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against flu. Vaccination helps prevent infection and can prevent serious outcomes in people who get vaccinated but still get sick with flu. The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get a flu vaccine.

Emergency Department Surveillance-Sedgwick County ending December 14.

Notifiable Disease Investigations

Click here for more information about disease investigation categories and about the epidemiology (disease investigation) program at the Sedgwick County Health Department