Respiratory Viruses
Viruses that cause respiratory diseases, like the ones that cause COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), usually spread in the fall and winter. Anyone can get a respiratory virus infection, but some people are at higher risk for serious illness. The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) recommends the following actions to protect yourself and others:
- Stay up to date with vaccines
- Stay home, if sick
- Wash hands often
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Consider wearing a mask if you are high-risk for serious illness
KDPH | Respiratory Disease Season Recommendations
Respiratory Virus Update for Kentucky
Updated: 2/13/25
-
Respiratory illness activity is
very high in Kentucky.
-
Emergency department encounters for acute respiratory illness are high and have increased.
-
Influenza activity has increased and outbreaks have been reported statewide.
-
Influenza A strains are currently dominant. Of influenza labs with strain subtype information, 50% are A(H1) and 50% are A(H3).
Kentucky Respiratory Disease Data Dashboard
Kentucky COVID-19 and Influenza Seasonal Immunizations Dashboard
Kentucky Wastewater Surveillance Dashboard
Weekly trends in respiratory illness hospitalizations and emergency department encounters in Kentucky
Weekly trends of influenza-like illness activity in Kentucky
Weekly trends of positive laboratory tests for COVID-19 and influenza in Kentucky
Weekly trends of deaths associated with COVID-19, influenza, and RSV in Kentucky
Respiratory Virus Activity Levels | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC