Department of health launches respiratory virus website

A one-stop spot for finding information

(STORY COURTESY OF KENTUCKY TODAY)

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) has launched a new respiratory virus website, which they are calling a one-stop spot for finding information on COVID-19, influenza and RSV.

KDPH Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack says the move follows the approach the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other states are taking to help families find respiratory virus information at one location.

“As we continue into the fall and winter cold and flu season, this site, and a new Respiratory Virus Data Dashboard that is part of this site, will provide awareness of where Kentucky stands with regard to spikes and decreases in these viruses to help inform personal decisions,” he stated.

The Respiratory Virus Data Dashboard will include COVID-19 and influenza data, since October marks the official start of flu season. Data will be updated weekly, on Thursdays, and will replace the current flu report and current COVID-19 dashboard. Weekly reports will be archived.

Information on the dashboard includes:

--The number of positive laboratory PCR test results for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus reported to KDPH.

--The percentage of outpatient visits attributed to influenza-like illness reported through the sentinel health care provider network.

--The number of emergency department visits and hospitalizations associated with COVID-19, influenza and/or RSV.

--The number of reported deaths associated with COVID-19 and/or influenza.

--Pediatric deaths attributed to COVID/flu.

Anyone can get a respiratory virus infection, but some people are at high risk for serious illness.  Therefore, the Department for Public Health recommends Kentuckians follow the tips listed on the site to protect themselves and others this fall and winter.

A summary from the weekly update that was issued Thursday evening, October 19 indicates C​OVID-19 activity is moderate in Kentucky,  while hospitalizations for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV remain low.

Find out more by going to CoverYourCough.ky.gov.