Seasonal influenza activity continues in the U.S. and is on a downward trend in Kansas. According to Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) most recent report — updated the week of Jan. 26 — activity levels are low in Kansas in comparison to other states. This report tracks the spread of influenza-like illness (ILI) activity. Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) defines ILI activity as a fever higher than 100 degrees and the presence of a cough and/or sore throat.
According to local doctors, they have seen more COVID cases this season than influenza.
“We continue to see more COVID than influenza both locally and nationwide,” Dr. Rachel Allen said. “COVID is not often causing the severe illnesses like we saw 2-3 years ago. There have been multiple viruses circulating in the community this winter that are not COVID or influenza.”
There has not been a noticeable surge in influenza, and COVID seems to be on a downward trend.
“So far this winter we have not seen a surge of influenza cases. There have been cases of Influenza A diagnosed but these have been rare thus far,” Dr. Allen said. “At this time, COVID seems to be on the downtrend. We continue to see small waves of positive tests but overall less.”
Dr. Allen encourages people in the community to test for influenza and/or COVID with any symptoms of a viral syndrome — fever, body aches, congestion, cough, fatigue, etc. This is especially important if they are high risk in terms of their chronic health conditions. If someone does test positive, it is encouraged they contact their local provider to see if an antiviral would be appropriate to lessen the severity of illness.
Symptoms
Influenza
Flu symptoms, which often start suddenly rather than gradually, include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people also may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is most common in children. People may be infected with the flu, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Complications can include pneumonia, ear and sinus infections and dehydration. Influenza may also worsen other chronic conditions.
Anyone with a fever for more than 24 to 48 hours — especially with considerations due to age, severity of other symptoms or other medical problems — should contact a healthcare professional.
COVID-19
COVID symptoms range from mild to severe illness and symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. The symptoms reported have a wide range including fever and chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. This list does not include all possible symptoms. Symptoms may change with new variants and can vary depending on vaccination status.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds, depending on skin tone.
Prevention
Influenza
According to KDHE, common practices people should take to avoid getting or spreading influenza include covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze, washing your hands, and staying home when you are sick.
The influenza vaccine also is strongly recommended for nearly all persons six months of age or older. Infants less than six months of age are too young to be vaccinated and are more vulnerable to the complications from influenza.
Being vaccinated against influenza is especially important for anyone at high risk of complications, and for anyone who is caring for children younger than five years of age. It’s also important for persons caring for those with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications.
COVID-19
KDHE advises that getting tested is critical in stopping the spread of COVID-19, so you should test before you visit loved ones. Other ways to minimize risk is to cover coughs and sneezes with an elbow or tissue, wash hands frequently with soap and water, or use sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, including phones, keyboards, doorknobs, handles and light switches. Distance yourself when in public, especially if you are in a high-risk category. KDHE recommends wearing a snuggly fitted mask when in public and getting vaccinated.
