Respiratory Viruses

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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​

Dark blue box showing icons of KDPH recommendations.

KDPH | Respiratory Disease Season Recommendations​

Learn More About Each of these Viruses

RSV

General Information

RSV is a very contagious respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. RSV can be serious in some people, especially babies and older adults.

Vaccines

RSV vaccines are recommended for older adults and pregnant people during weeks 32 to 36 of pregnancy. A monoclonal antibody product is available to protect infants from severe RSV.

Health Care Providers


Archived Respiratory Viruses Data and Material

View archived COVID-19 Dashboard ​-Discontinued as of October 12, 2023

​​20​19-2021 Seasonal​​ Flu Activity​​​

Contact Information

145