Osborne County Health Department

01/15/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Jan. 15, 2026

Contact: Jill Bronaugh

KDHE Urges Kansans to Protect Against Seasonal Influenza and Other Respiratory Illnesses

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) would like to remind Kansans to remain vigilant in their efforts to protect against seasonal influenza and other respiratory illnesses as the number of emergency department and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness is increasing in Kansas and across the United States.

A typical influenza season runs from October to May, with activity usually picking up between December and February. In Kansas, between Dec. 28, 2025, and Jan. 3, 2026, influenza accounted for 5.1% of all emergency department visits. Trends in emergency department visits in Kansas are tracking very similar to the 2024/2025 season, which was generally considered a severe influenza season. When accounting for emergency department visits for all acute respiratory illnesses, the percentage increases to 19.1% of all visits. Workbook: ESSENCE Dashboard

“The best protection we have against seasonal flu each year is vaccination,” KDHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dereck Totten said. “There is still time to get a flu vaccine this season. The vaccine has been shown to not only reduce the risk of getting the flu but also to protect against the potentially serious complications of the flu, especially for immunocompromised individuals.”

As would be expected at this point in the season, Kansas is mostly seeing Influenza A virus circulating. A new influenza A(H3N2) virus subclade J.2.4.1, also recently renamed "H3N2 subclade K," was identified by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in August 2025. Among 436 influenza A(H3N2) viruses collected in the United States since Sept. 28, 2025, that underwent additional genetic characterization at CDC, 91.5% belonged to subclade K. Advanced testing performed by the Kansas Health and Environment Laboratories on 13 influenza A(H3) viruses received since Sept. 28, 2025, found that 92% belonged to subclade K.

Although subclade K emerged after the 2025-26 vaccine strains were chosen, early estimates of vaccine effectiveness in preventing influenza-related hospitalization suggest that the vaccine is performing as expected among both children and adults. More information on vaccine effectiveness in the United States will be shared as sufficient data has been collected.

Along with getting the flu vaccine, below are some other precautions to consider as preventative measures when it comes to protecting against the flu and other respiratory illnesses.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Stay home until fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medications and overall symptoms are getting better.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective when soap and water is unavailable.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread easily this way.
Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
More prevention and treatment information can be found on the KDHE website’s Influenza page.

Send a message to learn more

12/22/2025

Driving in Kansas means sharing the road with all kinds of motorists—some cautious, some hurried, and unfortunately, some distracted.

While you can’t control what others do, you can take steps to protect yourself and those you care about by staying fully alert and engaged behind the wheel.

Distracted driving isn’t just about texting. It includes eating, adjusting the radio, reaching for items, or even daydreaming. Every time your eyes leave the road or your mind drifts, your reaction time slows—and that can make the difference between a safe trip and a serious crash.

The reality is simple: when you’re driving, your only job is driving. Staying alert helps you anticipate hazards, react quickly, and avoid the mistakes of others who may not be paying attention.

Here are five practical tips to keep you focused and safe:
1. Put your phone away. Silence notifications and keep your device out of reach until you’re parked.
2. Plan ahead. Set your GPS, adjust mirrors, and choose your playlist before you start moving.
3. Keep both hands on the wheel. It’s the easiest way to stay in control and ready for surprises.
4. Avoid multitasking. Eating, grooming, or searching for items can wait until you’re stopped.
5. Stay mentally present. If you’re tired or stressed, take a break before hitting the road.

Your attention is your best defense against distracted drivers. Make it a habit because every mile matters.

12/22/2025

12/22/2025

We will be closed December 24th through December 26th in celebration of the Christmas holiday. We will reopen Monday December 29th

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12/16/2025

As we prepare to celebrate the upcoming holidays, be sure to:
- Don't drink and drive.
-Keep candles away from trees. Keep candles, Christmas lights and cooking supervised.
-Check weather and drive slow on icy roads.
-Watch out for holiday scams.
-Keep pets away from toxic plants and foods.

Stay safe and enjoy the holiday season.

12/11/2025

Is your winter emergency kit in your vehicle updated? With holiday traveling approaching, make sure you're ready in case of an emergency!

12/09/2025

Stop germs before they spread:
Wash your hands often-20 seconds, soap, scrub and rinse. It's a quick, easy and efficient method for prevention.

About handwashing: https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/

Share information about the importance of handwashing

12/09/2025

Getting your flu vaccine is one of the simplest ways to stay healthy this winter. It helps reduce your chances of getting sick, lowers the severity if you do catch the flu and protects vulnerable loved ones. Call us today to schedule yours at 785-346-2412. We have doses available for all age groups including High Dose Influenza for those 65 years and older.

11/28/2025

The health department will be closed Thursday Nov 27th and Friday Nov 28th for the Thanksgiving holiday!