Skip to Main Content
Check out our new Substance Misuse page.

Respiratory Virus Information

Kansas Syndromic Surveillance Program

The Kansas Syndromic Surveillance Program (KSSP) works with eligible hospitals and clinics across the state to quickly gather de-identified information from emergency department, inpatient, and urgent care visits. The program provides KDHE, local health departments, and hospitals with rapid insights into emerging public health threats and enables timely public health response. View the KSSP Respiratory Related Visits Dashboard here.

Wastewater Monitor for Respiratory Viruses

Just like doctors use urine or stool samples to learn more about a person’s health, wastewater (sewage) can be tested to learn more about our community’s health. The wastewater monitor can detect the latest viral trends and provides information on how to protect your health and prevent others from getting sick. To learn what the wastewater in Shawnee County is detecting, view the Wastewater Monitor for Respiratory Viruses here.

Respiratory Guidance

2024 - SCHD's guidance for the general public was updated to align with CDC's and KDHE's recently updated guidance. This guidance is for respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, Flu and RSV.

CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance Snapshot showing core and additional prevention strategies.
Respiratory Virus Guidance
  • Core Prevention Strategies
    • Immunizations
    • Hygiene
    • Steps for Cleaner Air
    • Treatment
    • Stay Home and Prevent Spread (Stay home and away from others until both: for 24 hours, your symptoms are getting better and you are fever free without meds. Then take precaution for the next 5 days.)
  • Additional Prevention Strategies
    • Masks
    • Distancing
    • Tests
  • Layering prevention strategies can be especially helpful when:
    • Respiratory viruses are causing a lot of illness in your community.
    • You or those around you have risk factors for severe illness.
    • You or those around you were recently exposed, are sick, or are recovering.

For Additional Guidance from the CDC, visit the links below: