The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) urges Kansans to stay alert as respiratory virus season approaches. Common viruses like the flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumococcal disease can lead to hospitalizations and deaths during fall and winter.

Vaccination is key to prevention. Vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV are available, and pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for young children, older adults, and those at higher risk. Kansas will receive about $780,000 to provide COVID-19 doses to uninsured adults across the state.

High-risk groups include older adults, young children, people with weakened immune systems, those with disabilities, and pregnant individuals. If you have symptoms of a respiratory virus, seek medical care quickly, especially if you’re at risk for severe illness. Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue.

To reduce risk, practice good hand hygiene, improve airflow, and consider masking and physical distancing. Tests are available to detect these viruses quickly.