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Respiratory Virus Season Updates

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JUMP TO:  Cold | Flu | COVID-19 | RSV | Respiratory Virus Guidance Snapshot
Influenza (Flu) Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Reporting Week: November 30, 2025

  • Seasonal influenza activity in Sedgwick County continues to increase, primarily driven by early activity of influenza A.
  • Emergency Department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) in the county are currently at .02%, indicating a gradual increase in community transmission.
Influenza-Like Illness Emergency Department Visits
Emergency Department Surveillance
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What's the Difference?

Cold

The common cold is mostly caused by the rhinovirus. People usually have milder symptoms: a runny nose, slight cough. 

In most cases, if you have a cold, you’re still able to function, 

PREVENTION

Remember the three Cs to help prevent any respiratory virus. 

  • CLEAN
    Wash your hands often. Scrub for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • COVER
    Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze.
  • CONTAIN
    If you feel sick, stay home until you feel well or wear a mask if you must go out.
SYMPTOMS
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Cough
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Feeling tired

HOW DOES A COLD SPREAD?

  • A cold spreads through droplets from an infected person when they cough, sneeze, or talk or if they touch something and leave germs.
  • You can "catch a cold" by being near someone who has a cold or by touching something that has the virus on them and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Additional Resources

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Flu

The flu is caused by the influenza virus. Seasonal flu typically starts in the fall and lasts through the spring.

HOW DOES THE FLU SPREAD?

The flu spreads through droplets from an infected person when they cough, sneeze, or talk or if they touch something and leave germs.

  • The flu spreads by being near someone who has the flu or by touching something that has the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
SYMPTOMS

Flu is not just a common cold. It usually comes on suddenly, and people with flu may have some or all of the following symptoms (think F.A.C.T.S.)

  • Fever
  • Aches (muscle, body, and headaches)
  • Chills
  • Tiredness (fatigue)
  • Sudden onset
  • Cough, runny or stuffy nose, and/or sore throat
  • Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

(Reproduced from https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/flu)
PREVENTION
The best way to protect yourself and your family against flu, especially more severe illness, is by getting vaccinated.
  • Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season, especially people at higher risk.

Additional Resources

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COVID-19

COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

HOW DOES COVID-19 SPREAD?

COVID-19 can spread through droplets from an infected person when they cough, sneeze, or talk. 

It can also be spread by infected people who do not have symptoms. This means that even people who feel healthy and do not have symptoms can still spread the virus to others.

SYMPTOMS
Because the symptoms are similar to other viruses, you should consider getting tested if you think you may have COVID-19.
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Hard to breathe (shortness of breath or difficulty breathing)
  • Sore throat (often felt while swallowing)
  • Feeling tired (fatigue)
  • Headache and/pr muscle aches
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea)
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
    • Other symptoms include:
      • Loss of appetite
      • Loss of taste and smell
PREVENTION
  • Everyone 6 months and older should get a COVID-19 vaccine, especially to prevent severe illness.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider to learn more about getting the vaccine.
  • This vaccine can be given at the same time as the flu and RSV vaccines.
  • The SCHD offers flu shots to uninsured adults and kids of any insurance status. COVID vaccines will be offered to kids only when available. Call SCHD with questions or to make an appointment: (316) 660-7300

Additional Resources

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RSV

RSV is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus. Most people have cold-like symptoms, but it can be severe for babies and some adults.

RSV is the #1 reason babies under 1 year old are hospitalized. 

HOW RSV SPREADS

RSV spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, by direct contact (kissing. sharing food/drink, etc.) with someone who has RSV, or by touching a contaminated surface (doorknobs, etc.).

 

SYMPTOMS
  • Runny nose
  • Congestion
  • Decrease in appetite
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Fever
  • Wheezing
In very young babies:
  • Fussy
  • Less active
  • Eating or drinking less
  • Having a hard time breathing
PREVENTION 

PREGNANCY & NEWBORNS

  • Pregnant women during 32-36 weeks of pregnancy in September through January should get an RSV vaccine.

    OR
  • Babies* 0-8 months old entering or born during RSV season (Oct. - Mar.) should get the RSV antibody (monoclonal antibody treatment) if mom did not get the vaccine.

*Most babies only need one, not both. Talk to your healthcare provider to be sure.

CHILDREN

  • Children 9-18 months who have a weakened immune system (their body can't find germs as well) should also receive RSV immunization (monoclonal antibody treatment).

ADULTS

  • All adults 75 years and older should get an RSV vaccine.
  • Adults age 50–74 years who are at increased risk or have chronic health conditions 

Additional Resources

Resources

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Information reproduced and/or adapted from CDC and National Foundation for Infectious Disease.