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: 5/22/25
- Respiratory illness activity is very low in Kentucky.
- Emergency department encounters for acute respiratory illnesses, including seasonal influenza, COVID-19 and RSV, are low.
- Influenza A strains were dominant this influenza season. Of influenza labs with strain subtype information, 54% are A(H1) and 45% 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