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 | 2026 Fall Immunization Guidance for Providers
Respiratory Virus Update for Kentucky
10/29/2026
- In Kentucky, indicators of influenza activity are increasing since last week and arriving earlier than last year.
- Weekly influenza laboratory detections this past week were 13 times higher than the same week last year.
- Emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations for influenza this past week were similar to what was reported in early December last year.
- In Kentucky, most indicators of COVID-19 and RSV activities are increasing since last week.
- Protect yourself and those around you by getting your flu shot now. For resources and information on accessing vaccinations to prevent respiratory illnesses, visit: FluCvd19VaccineToolkit
Kentucky Respiratory Disease Data Dashboard
KDPH | Quick Guide for the Respiratory Disease Dashboard- 2026-2027 Season
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