Flu cases spike around Wichita and in Kansas. See symptoms and how to stay safe

Do you know a lot of people who are getting sick? That may be because Sedgwick County is in the height of flu season.

Emergency department visits for influenza-related infections rose from 2% in November to about 8% in December, which is a higher than the county saw that same time in 2023. Flu season usually sees its peak from December through February, but every flu season is different, the county said.

The uptick in flu cases is common this time of year with the end of holiday season. In fact, in a November interview with The Eagle, county health department director Adrienne Byrne said that the county was expecting a rise in cold and flu cases “through January at least.”

Statewide, the CDC says Kansas’ level is “very high” for the spread of respiratory illnesses.

The uptick in flu cases led to Ascension hospitals in Wichita to impose temporary visiting restrictions, which asks those who are experiencing cold and flu symptoms to not visit the hospital until their symptoms have subsided for 48 hours.

“These measures are being implemented to protect patients and staff amidst a recent rise in seasonal illnesses circulating in our community,” the health system said in a Jan. 3 press release.

Additionally, anyone who had COVID-19 recently cannot visit until they are 10 days post onset and visitors are being limited to ages 12 and older. Masks are also strongly encouraged when visiting.

Here’s what to know about staying healthy.

Staying safe during flu season

Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sweating, chills and headache, Mayo Clinic says.

Most people who get the flu can recover from the comfort of their homes. But for some with underlying health conditions, the flu can be more severe and require medical assistance.

Symptoms that you should seek medical help for include trouble breathing, dehydration, chest pain, extreme dehydration and more.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend anyone 6 months or older to receive the annual flu vaccine. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 16.3% of Kansans have received their flu shot so far this season. That’s lower than last year, when 23% got their flu shot.

You should also limit contact with anyone experiencing flu symptoms, wash your hands for a full 20 seconds every time and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

If you are experiencing flu symptoms, it’s best to stay home to not run the risk of passing it to others.

This story was originally published January 8, 2025 at 5:00 AM.

Lindsay Smith

The Wichita Eagle

Lindsay Smith is a suburban news reporter for the Wichita Eagle, covering the communities of Andover, Bel Aire, Derby, Haysville and Kechi. She has been on The Eagle staff since 2022 and was the service journalism reporter for three years. She has a degree in communications with an emphasis in journalism from Wichita State, where she was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Sunflower, for two years. You can reach her via email at lsmith@wichitaeagle.com.